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Sometimes, your friends and family members might think that you can have just one drink. Even if they support your sobriety, they might still not understand how your addiction works. To be sober and happy, you can focus on your mental health, physical wellness, life goals, attend support groups, and find ways to help others. Recovery is about much more than living a drug or alcohol-free life. Addiction recovery is about learning how to live life on life’s terms. Sobriety is just one part of living a happy life in recovery.
” I didn’t understand I could decline to answer or that I didn’t have to make sense to everyone. For a period it was, “I’m an alcoholic,” and that tended to silence anyone (for clarification, I no longer identify as an alcoholic). These days, unless I’m feeling generous, I simply say, “I don’t drink,” and leave it at that. There’s a strong connection between substance use disorders and sleep disorders. According to studies, you’re likely to suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders when you abuse substances. You may also self-medicate your sleep issues using drugs or alcohol.
Real and Authentic Relationships
At times, you have to face difficult realities and truths about yourself that can be pretty painful. However, facing these things head-on also greatly increases your self-awareness. As a result, you develop a better understanding of the world around you, how it impacts you personally, and what actions you can take to stay sober for the long-haul. Lean on close friends and family for support, even if your relationships aren’t what they used to be.
At some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress (like losing a job) or minor stress (like running late for an appointment). When things like this happen, find a sober friend or loved one you can talk to for support. And keep your schedule loose enough that you have time for group meetings and other things that can help you through rough stretches. When people drink or use drugs, it frequently starts as a way to deal with hardships but becomes a primary coping mechanism.
Recognizing Relapse Warning Signs
Not only because not drinking is hard, but also because we live in a society where most everyone around us drinks. But being alone too often https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.html can lead to isolation and potentially, relapse. Surround yourself with supportive people who may have experience overcoming addiction.
I got out of debt, started a company that provides digital recovery, launched a podcast, and am in the middle of writing a book. If you do this, you are more likely to have the mental strength to lead a sober lifestyle. Aside from a “fevered couple months” when she first stopped drinking, Sophie never took comfort in overtly positive, wellness-oriented messaging around sobriety.
