This fear is common, but by looking at the sober community, you can see that those thoughts are not true. Deciding to go to rehab isn’t easy, and neither is getting sober, but don’t let the fear of recovery hold you or your loved one back from seeing treatment. In this blog, we’ll address some of the biggest anxieties about recovery, and how to move past them into a brighter future.

Fears of a Sober Life

Don’t expect to accomplish any big self-realizations in the beginning. More than likely, though, this meaningful journey of self-discovery will be a long, ongoing, and wonderful process. It’s not okay to be dishonest with yourself about where you’re headed.

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Each person has sufficient bravery in their DNA to handle such a challenge. But many people use the excuse that they are cowards just so they can keep on using the substances. If you truly want to live a clean and sober life, you are already ahead of the game. Intention and commitment are crucial to having a successful recovery. I read these things and worried, but I didn’t yet moderate my drinking.

Research drug and alcohol treatment centers in your area, and be sure to ask questions, so you will be able to find a treatment center that meets your needs. Learning to live in a drug and alcohol-free manner involves making a genuine commitment to a new and permanent lifestyle. This is scary to a lot of people and deters many from seeking or completing treatment. However, you should not hide behind this excuse. You can live a life without drugs or alcohol, and you owe it to yourself to try. For the time being, try to envision a life full of promise, where there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Common Fears of Going to Rehab — and How to Overcome Them

How will they live without misusing substances? In addition, once young men start recovery, they can be afraid of what their new sober life will look like and fear of being sober being able to live without using. So, it is easy to understand why you want to know how to manage fear in addiction recovery to maintain long-term sobriety.

In fact, for many of us returning to use is a reality of recovery. By its very nature, substance use disorder is referred to as a relapsing condition. I would much rather fail and keep trying than stay stuck on a one-way path to destruction. And worrying about what others may think if you return to use is outside of your control.

Sobriety Fear #8: People won’t like the sober you.

Instead, work with our skilled team to learn how to overcome this pain for good. Recognizing that fear is present is the first step in moving beyond it. The fear of being sober is often about dealing with your loss of a coping mechanism for “real” life. You’re afraid you don’t have the tools and resources to help you to maintain your sobriety. You are afraid that being sober will simply be too hard.

  • When you get sober, many people don’t know that there are many ways that your life will be a million times better.
  • These days, unless I’m feeling generous, I simply say, “I don’t drink,” and leave it at that.
  • All the difficult moments were still stressful, but they were a lot easier to manage without “hangxiety” heaped on top.
  • Quitting drinking can save thousands of dollars a year — not only the amount you would normally spend on alcohol but also, impulse buys you make while under the influence.

New coping skills and behavior modifications will enable you to tackle whatever life throws your way. Additionally, you will always have the support of your group and allies to help talk you through any crises that arise. If you commit to it, there is hope for coping with life’s stresses without drinking.

Grief and loss are painful, but using doesn’t help it just prolongs the agony. A journey can begin with community mutual-help groups, inpatient treatment, residential rehab, outpatient programs, and more. Depending on the severity of addiction and readiness to change, different options may be beneficial for different people.

Fears of a Sober Life

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