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People may want to feel numb so they can overlook the bad things in their life. That often leads to being unable to see or enjoy the good as well. That’s not the case and many people find tremendous value in their sobriety, even if they didn’t https://ecosoberhouse.com/ go to the darkest place some people with addictions do. In fact, more and more people are becoming “sober curious” as a way to have a healthier, more balanced life. Sober living isn’t just interesting; it’s fulfilling and vibrant.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Long-term sobriety is a relative term—it means different things to different people. But many people consider long-term sobriety to be sobriety that has lasted at least one year.
The Sober Sweat – Happy, Joyous, and Free Holidays!
Even those who use drugs and alcohol on an extensive level will find themselves battling embarrassment on a routine basis. From falling down stairs to explaining why you stole money from a friend, all of those awkward, painful moments are wiped away once you get sober. You no longer need to make excuses for yourself. You no longer need to feel overwhelmed with what you did or did not do. And, you can feel more confident about the decisions you make.
If a funeral is too difficult for you to attend right now, feel confident to say you can’t attend. If a wedding is happening, but you’re worried about being surrounded by alcohol, then politely decline to attend. Don’t be afraid to say no and take care of yourself. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. When you’re suffering from addiction, your only concern is to get more substances.
Make New Friends
Have an open mind, but for a few of us in recovery, this does work. When you catch yourself thinking of drinking, of wanting nothing more than to have one glass of whiskey, then stop and close your eyes. Take that thought and imagine it as a fish and let it float out of your vision. Imagine them as fish passing in front of you. It begins a process of « thinking of thinking » and as strange as it may seem, it helps pull you out so you can calmly observe from afar.
Continuous substance abuse can even do things like cause your blood pressure to spike or decrease to an unhealthy range. When your blood pressure becomes too high or too low, it can cause your body to go into shock. Therefore, it is sometimes imperative for your blood pressure and overall health to become reasons to stay sober sober. Another reason to stay sober and clean is, Having a drug problem can be detrimental to your finances in many ways. When addiction directs your life, you come to work late and miss deadlines. If your employer isn’t happy with your performance, you could be passed over for raises and promotions.
It Will Increase Your Ability to Build Long-Lasting Relationships
And, you are working to instill good habits in your loved one as well. For many people, being a good parent is the best reason for being sober. The answer to that question seems easy enough to someone not battling addiction. For those who face this daily challenge, it seems “easier” to just drown away the world’s troubles. Every person struggling with alcohol or drug addiction needs a go-to list. This list outlines why it is so important and valuable to get and stay sober.