The Fear of Sobriety

With your support network, mark milestones in your sobriety, whether they’re days, weeks, months, or years. After detox, it’s easy to come to the realization that there are people who are still standing by your side that probably should not be. 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 again.

Relational fears

I was scared that nights out with my friends would not be the same or that I could not celebrate my birthday in the same way. October is notorious for ghouls, goblins, and ghosts galore—all things that scare us and can make sleeping at night a daunting task. In terms of “spookiness,” Hollywood-esque images of creepy dolls and terrifying clowns may come to mind. When it comes to your recovery, you may be facing some fears and scary night-time images of your own. Similarly, there are many people who drink and use drugs because they feel more fun, daring, likable, and interesting when under the influence.

Implementing Relapse Prevention Strategies

Start by identifying friends and family members who understand your journey to sobriety and are willing to help you through it. It’s important to choose people who are nonjudgmental and encouraging, rather than those who might inadvertently lead you back into https://www.lattemielemarcheabruzzo.it/what-does-feeling-tipsy-feel-like/ old habits. With friends, if they aren’t on board with your sobriety, you’ll have some tough choices ahead. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about it until you’ve got some solid, sober days under your belt.

The Power of Sharing Personal Stories of Overcoming Fear

In this blog, you will learn more about fear in recovery and why you feel fear in the first place. Is the list of fears in recovery you have in your mind holding you back from getting the help you need? Healing Pines Recovery is a top fear of being sober residential treatment center in Colorado designed for the unique needs of men. Our comprehensive treatment programs are evidence-based and help restore men in mind, body, and spirit. As you work through the detox process, you can start to feel the overwhelming frustration and anxiety build around being sober.

What is nifaliophobia? Understanding the fear of being sober

fear of being sober

But what you will also notice is that those people who are your friends – beyond just partying, drinking and taking drugs – will never leave. When your life no longer revolves around getting high or drunk, your life will become the opposite of boring. Think of the routine that you have gotten into, always going out and drinking or drugging with the same people, usually at the same location (or one of a few local hot spots). When you get sober, you free up time in your life to partake in and enjoy new sober activities that go much farther in the way of improving your quality of life. The unknown always causes anxiety because you don’t know what challenges you might face. One way to deal with this anxiety is to treat it like excitement, which, physiologically, is nearly identical.

Reasons Why People are Afraid to Get Sober

But in the majority of cases, the loss of inhibitions is not a good thing. Just because you will no longer get wasted and make poor decisions – this does not make you boring. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer specific programs for addiction recovery. It involves treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a good friend. This approach can help you navigate the challenges of sobriety without falling into self-criticism or shame. A relapse prevention plan is your personalized roadmap for maintaining sobriety.

fear of being sober

Reality Check

In fact, here’s a little secret – anyone who is charming drunk can be charming sober. After you’re more secure in your sobriety, you’ll find that you’re actually MORE charming than “drunk you” could ever be. What you do NOT want to do is let your fear about what MIGHT happen with your friends in the future dictate what you do to take care of yourself in the present. With proper counseling and/or a good recovery program, you’ll learn important tools for navigating these relationships. Navigating your existing relationships in sobriety is a huge challenge.

“I Am Afraid I will Actually Feel Something”

  • What I know from this side of the fence is that life in recovery gives us everything that we had looking for at the bottom of a bottle.
  • Surrounding oneself with understanding friends and family can provide emotional stability.
  • Managing the emotional challenges that arise during sobriety involves recognizing the importance of therapy and mindfulness techniques.

By developing effective coping strategies for triggers, you’re building a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. These skills will serve you well as you continue on your recovery journey and establish a routine for maintaining your progress. Recognizing your triggers is crucial for maintaining sobriety. Triggers are situations, emotions, or places that might Sober living house tempt you to use substances again.

  • It’s a proactive approach to identifying and managing potential risks.
  • Questions like “What will my life look like?” or “Will I be happy?” are natural but can also hold you back.
  • The fear of confronting these feelings without the crutch of drugs or alcohol can be overwhelming.
  • By anticipating potential challenges and having strategies to address them, you can feel more in control and less vulnerable to relapse.

Support

Your therapist will discuss your specific concerns, life history, family history, and factors that might trigger your anxiety. For many people who want to get sober, managing coexisting anxiety can be a crucial and complex part of recovery. While the journey might feel daunting, it’s certainly possible to overcome it with the right tools and support. Once you have identified your fears and the source of your anxiety, you can begin to develop coping mechanisms to deal with it. This may include talking to a therapist or attending support groups.