Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work of recovery is helpful for keeping you motivated and reminding you why you took this brave step toward sobriety in the first place. Instead, focus on things, experiences, and activities that will support your new, healthy lifestyle. This attitude means Gen Z are reducing their alcohol intake as a way to manage their emotional wellbeing, and may look at alcohol as an impediment to a robust mental framework. Social media platforms like TikTok have also helped users to sober house broadcast the benefits of a sober or sober curious lifestyle. Once you become sober, all the feelings that were numbed by drugs or alcohol start to resurface. Many people feel shame, regret, and guilt regarding their substance misuse and how it impacted them and others in their lives.

Alumni Programs for Ongoing Support

People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction. Most people who make their way into recovery have left a lot of pain and suffering in their wake. Feeling guilty or ashamed of past behavior or actions during active addiction is natural and healthy.

The Role of Equine-Assisted Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Having a support system of like-minded individuals can be helpful in dealing with social pressure. It’s also important to have a plan for handling situations where drugs or alcohol are present. Understanding what sobriety means and why it’s substantial is the first step toward living a sober life. Sobriety is not about abstinence from drugs or alcohol; it’s about living a fulfilling and purposeful https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ life. You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober.

• If you do decide to start drinking again, hopefully your break from drinking will help you have a healthier relationship with alcohol going forward — which is one of the goals of the sober curious movement.
• This means making a conscious decision to stop using drugs or alcohol and sticking to that decision, no matter what.
• They might, but just in case, it’s a great idea to bring your own beverage, so you stay in control of the situation.
• There’s no more not caring if they see your cellulite or whatever you’re hiding under there; and you will, once and for all, discover that sex is never like in the movies.
• When I stopped drinking, not only did my recovery dictate that I needed lots of time to myself, lots of self-care, and lots of nights in, I discovered that I was, in fact, someone who relishes in alone time.

‘Sober Curious’: What Does It Mean to Explore Life Without Alcohol?

Sobriety brings about positive changes in both physical and mental health. One of the benefits is improved sleep patterns, leading to a reduction in instances of insomnia. Additionally, staying sober enhances mood stability and emotional well-being, resulting in an overall better quality of life. Not only that, but it also contributes to better physical appearance and weight management, helping you maintain a healthy body. Embarking on the sobriety journey is a transformative experience involving more than quitting substance abuse.

Build a Support Network

This structure enables individuals to reside at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions, fostering a supportive recovery environment. Earlier this year we shared a post exploring the Sober Curious Movement. ‘Sober Curious’ refers to people who are choosing to either take a break from alcohol for a short period of time or even permanently.

Develop a Structured Routine

Additionally, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help improve physical and mental health. Practicing self-care and personal hygiene is vital to maintain a sense of wellness. The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success.

And, it doesn’t have to be the New Year or even any event at all great time to make positive changes in your life, and getting sober can be one of them. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. MAT can be an effective option for those struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction.

• Without alcohol, I felt less anxious and more in control of my emotions.
• Get productivity, intentional living and self-care tips so you can go from “busy” to “present” and show up as your best self.
• It can also improve your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to live a more fulfilling life.
• It is about quitting drinking or using drugs and changing your lifestyle and mindset to embrace a healthier, happier life.
• Exercise increases endorphins, which are the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain.
• By tackling relevant topics collectively, residents strengthen their accountability toward staying sober.

Headed Home for the Holidays and Staying Clean

With the right mindset, support, and resources, anyone can achieve long-term recovery and live a fulfilling, sober life. If you have just finished an addiction treatment program, take a moment to express appreciation for your efforts—it is no small feat! While your accomplishment deserves recognition, you should also prepare yourself for the road ahead. Life after addiction is not necessarily smooth, so you need to learn how to prepare for the potholes that can throw you off track. Long-term support from alumni and aftercare programs, as well as sober living programs, are an excellent starting point for your new sober lifestyle. Sobriety is more than just abstaining from substance use, it’s a lifestyle that can bring about various benefits.

Depending on the severity of the addiction or substance being used, a medically supervised detox may be necessary to safely help you. Get your free download to find out about the 7 types of rest and why you’ll burnout without it. Get productivity, intentional living and self-care tips so you can go from “busy” to “present” and show up as your best self. Your journey towards self-improvement begins with a single step, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself and celebrating your progress along the way is also essential.