Surviving Early Sobriety: What Does Getting Sober Feel Like?

In conclusion, getting sober is a difficult journey, but one that is possible with the right support and guidance. My story is proof that it is possible to overcome addiction and lead a healthy and sober lifestyle. Drug-induced psychosis can https://trading-market.org/boston-sober-homes/ be a serious consequence of substance abuse, but it can be treated and managed with the right care and support. Participating in an AA fellowship is a great way to develop a healthy lifestyle and maintain sobriety for long-term recovery.

As stated above, support can help the individual stick to treatment through the duration of the program. In addition, having a support network once treatment is over can ease the transition from rehab back to daily living. This support fosters the motivation and self-confidence needed for sustained sobriety. Just as no one treatment plan fits all people, no one treatment plan may be suitable for the entire time you are in a formal treatment program. For this reason, treatment plans need to be flexible. As your needs change, so too should the treatment plan.

Maintaining Sobriety Through Long-Term Support

I went to an addiction treatment facility with a program designed specifically for health care professionals. At the end of the extensive five-day evaluation, it was suggested that I stay for an extended period of time. I was told that if I did not follow the suggestions, it was likely that I would not be able to retain my license to practice medicine. I was in denial about the extent of my alcoholism — after all, I had been “sober” for more than three weeks prior to entering treatment — why couldn’t I just have outpatient treatment and continue to work?

  • My mom and dad divorced shortly after my sister was born.
  • My boyfriend supported us for a while then I got a job in retail and we moved into our own 1 bedroom apartment.
  • When I first got sober, I spent the first year finally seeing myself in a way that I had been completely unaware of.

That being said, you might not be at a place where you want people to know you’re not drinking, and that’s OK. You can provide an excuse, like that you’re on antibiotics, or you aren’t feeling great or want to feel fresh for something you have going on the next day. It’s important to remember that you never have to give yourself up to make other people comfortable—ever. Whether you’re stating a one-sentence response (“I don’t drink”) or using a small excuse, the only thing to consider is whether you are comfortable, and whether your boundaries are being upheld. When I was drinking, it never occurred to me that I was an introvert.

Sober Story: Shane

My home was no place for a soul’s convalescence—the Crown Royal bottle was still in its velvet bag, sleeping while I couldn’t. Maybe you’ve been leaning on alcohol too much to try to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe you enjoyed a successful Dry January, so you’re questioning alcohol’s role in your life. Maybe you’re a pretty moderate drinker, but you feel like booze just isn’t your friend anymore. Maybe none of these things apply to you when it comes to alcohol, but there’s something else in your life that’s not a positive force. Facing a potential problem and getting sober is not an easy choice, but for millions of people each year it’s a necessary one.

They have the largest collection of audio-recorded recovery talks spanning 70 years. On their blog, readers can find personal recovery stories from bloggers and tips on remaining in recovery. But seriously, I hope at least one of these memoirs speaks to you. Beyond the camaraderie of knowing you’re not alone, these books offer practical guidance about the road to sobriety (or your road to changing your relationship with drugs and alcohol).

Sober Story: Taryn

In addition to the right medical and professional care and local support groups, online resources can play an important role, too. This year, we’re honoring alcohol recovery blogs that are committed to educating, inspiring, and empowering people on their recovery journey. Although this book isn’t specifically about alcohol recovery, it has become a go-to guide in many recovery circles.

A fascinating look into the history and politics surrounding Australia’s big-drinking culture. “Managing the cravings and triggers to drink were the hardest part. That Friday night feeling, week-ends, not being able… I began drinking again thinking I had it whipped.

From the JourneyPure team where we get to explore a wide variety of substance abuse- and mental health-related topics. As a newly sober person in a community of drinkers, I feel a little lost. But every interview I’ve heard on this podcast has made me feel seen and heard and validated. When I’m feeling tempted to drink, I listen to an episode and 50 Sobriety Gifts Ideas, Effective Substance Abuse Treatment end up feeling like I do have a sober community, and that connection makes me feel so much more empowered and inspired to keep this journey going. The following morning, after the kids were off to school, I told my wife that I was an alcoholic and that I was seeking help. She didn’t realize how much lying is an integral part of alcoholism.

getting sober stories

I would have classified myself as someone who loved to be around people and go out with them at night. Thinking back to before I was sober, I usually had to drink to be around people. 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. I recharge when I’m by myself, and I deplete when I’m with others—especially big groups. I never really felt like I had a choice in social situations or the people I was around.