COMPLETE VERSIONCOMPLETE VERSIONSubstack’s interactive tools—like comment sections and discussions—allow us to create a space that’s not only inspiring but genuinely collaborative. Together, we can explore what it means to thrive in sobriety and support one another on this journey. For years, I've been helping people not just get sober, but discover a deep excitement about sobriety—the kind that opens doors to personal transformation. Sobriety isn't just about putting down the drink or the drug; it's about reclaiming your life, reconnecting with your authentic self, and finding a way to thrive.
You may love them dearly but wonder why they return to the very thing that’s destroying them. Perhaps you’re by their side, supporting them through every attempt to quit, only to see them slip back again. A lot of people in recovery become fitness buffs, and it makes sense. We gotta find new avenues to channel our energy and work out our stuff.
Some people report feeling anxious and sad at first but happy and empowered with time. Each person may experience sobriety differently. There is no “right” way to feel when getting sober. The basic disease model of addiction says that plenty of people use drugs or alcohol to medicate their problems away. If this sounds like you, you might be surprised to find out how much more effectively you can deal with things sober.
Sobriety is not all roses and reggae, after all, and those who are in a position to help, will always stress the indisputable fact that being clear-headed is better than being a drunk.
It is important to work with a mental health professional from the beginning to help you stay on track toward your goal of sobriety. Everyone is different, but there are some general guidelines on what to expect. How do you feel about yourself when you’re drinking or using drugs? Do you respect yourself and your decisions? Maybe not, especially if your substance use has become a problem. Getting and staying sober can change the way you look at yourself.
The reality is that for some, giving up substances might make life harder to face, not easier. Stepping out of that comforting numbness reveals unresolved pain, unmet needs and the unfulfilled potential that the addiction kept at bay. So the idea of becoming sober may feel punishing before it ever feels like freedom. Who needs to have a clear, coherent, chronological catalog of the events of all of his waking hours? Questions remain for the exploring, delightful conversations give me a little tinge of joy for days, and polite interactions leave me without doubt or fear of pending catastrophe.
It might feel like drinking or using drugs makes your problems go away, but as anyone who’s struggled with addiction knows, this is just an illusion. When you commit to sobriety, you can actually solve your problems instead of ignoring them. Between messing up your sleep https://www.knlnkn.com/2021/08/the-truth-about-alcohol-and-weight-gain/ and taking a toll on your body, alcohol and drugs can make you feel pretty bad if you use them regularly. Cutting out these substances can make you instantly feel years younger.
You won’t have to think about yourself as a person with no self-control or someone who says stupid things when drunk. You’ll also build your self-esteem by sticking with your decision to stay sober. It might sound counter-intuitive, but drinking or using drugs sobriety sucks really isn’t that much fun. Think about it – being intoxicated might feel good for a while, but are you really enjoying yourself? Being sober lets you push your boundaries and have fun in ways that aren’t possible when you’re drunk or high.
And sometimes drug addiction treatment I secretly wish I get injured so I could get painkillers. These are just a few of the areas we’ll explore here, all reinforcing the idea that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s about discovering what truly resonates with you and building a foundation for personal growth, meaning, and fulfillment. Alcohol and drugs are terrible for your immune system. When you don’t put anything unhealthy into your body, you won’t be so vulnerable to colds and stomach bugs. Much of our social behaviors involve the use of substances in one form or another.
Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. My view is that sobriety is the right choice, and currently I am that. I was never a chronic drinker but I noticed bad patterns so I stopped totally. I had stopped for 2 years, decided to drink moderately again, before ultimately stopping probably for good this year.
I get out of work and lie in bed or sit on my couch doing nothing. I also have severe self loathing right now. The thought keeps popping up in my head that if I feel this miserable and can’t see myself getting better, why not just drink? I’m sure I need a therapist or antidepressants. Any kind words of encouragement would be nice to hear right now. I’m not even sure what the point of my post is- just putting my silly miserable thoughts out there.
