Eventually, other people will know you have a problem. Rather than waiting for them to find out after a terrible accident or losing your job, seek help now. You can choose how much to tell them about where you’re going and why.
- You may be afraid to stop using because you have no idea what life will be like after you do.
- Many times, social events and outings center around drinking alcohol.
- More recently, he went to a clinic for infusions of ketamine, and tried tiny doses of psychoactive mushrooms.
- These are thoughts that run through every addict’s mind.
You recognize what you’ve put them through, you’re ashamed of it and you wish you could take it back. Yet, at the same time, it may feel better just to give in and use because that’s what they expect from you. If you try to stop using and fail, you’re disappointing them all over fear of being sober again. Look what I’ve done to my life.” This is a very common thought process. After detox, your brain begins to piece together the problems you now have with relationships, work, school or other important aspects of your life. It’s disheartening to realize what you’ve lost.
Fear of Being Sober: How the NA Steps Help You Say Goodbye to a Life of Drugs
You probably feel ashamed about your struggles with addiction. One of your fears in recovery may also relate to thoughts about being judged when you enter a residential treatment facility. This is especially true if you’ve been able to hide your addiction up until now. How will you explain your absence to everyone? You might even think that addiction rehab is all about shaming addicts with their addiction and trying to force them to quit.
- You’ll find your way, and you’ll be even more you without substances controlling your mind.
- Whether you have one day sober or 10 years, recovery presents challenges.
- What you once thought of as fun will pale in comparison to a life rich in reality, one that is completely drug and alcohol-free.
- Choosing sobriety and sticking with it gives you the confidence to pursue anything.
Find a facility that emphasizes developing individualized plans that meet your particular needs rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment program. And don’t worry, your tastes and style are not actually tied to drugs. You’ll find your way, and you’ll be even more you without substances controlling your mind. Getting sober also means you have to admit that you have a substance abuse problem, which for many people is scary enough in itself. Unfortunately, it is these fears (and more) that often stop addicts from getting the help and treatment that they need to stop using.
Sober Hour
In some cases, it’s more complicated than that. Maybe these people have been in your life since childhood, and you’ve all fallen into the same trap. You’ve got history, but you’ve also got baggage. If a booked social calendar is important to you, you’ll find ways to be proactive and realign what you do to fit your new lifestyle. The truth is, you have no idea what success will look or feel like.
- Sobriety means having to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves and others and having to stand up and be who we are.
- The fear of getting sober is more common than we may think.
- People you love will die, you will move, you may experience the end of a relationship, and you may even lose your job.
You’re not obligated to drink just to make others feel good about their drinking. So don’t allow anyone to make you feel that way. This is the hard part, but it’s also the most rewarding.
Define Your Fear to Overcome It
But when you are in treatment, you learn how to deal with stress so that it does not build up and immobilize you. 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. After months or years of being fixated on drugs and alcohol, who are you if you arent an addict? These are some of the most difficult questions in recovery, and the answers may change over time.
