Even if you’ve been clean and sober for some time, hardships in life can lead you back to a spot where you wonder if you will relapse. 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. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it. Now that you are sober, you may have discovered that some of your past relationships were not only unhealthy but downright toxic.
The severity of the memory troubles depends on how often the addict uses the drug, but memory is affected regardless. The long-term use of inhalants has also been linked to memory loss. My younger brother used to say “Alcohol doesn’t run in our family, it gallops,” and then he’d laugh. My older https://g-markets.net/sober-living/the-most-common-causes-of-bruising-after-drinking-2/ brother went to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for a number of years, and then he stopped. As I do with my younger brother, I hang on to the one or two good memories about my older brother from when I was younger, like the time he took me to the local mall to practice learning to drive.
Your mental and emotional health.
I think about trying ayahuasca, the hallucinogenic gaining acceptance as a therapeutic treatment for working through past upsets, for one. I wonder if it Forms Oxford House would help with the sad memories, but I don’t think it’s for me. I have a calmer life now and a partner who gives rather than takes like my brothers.
- Alcohol interrupts REM sleep (the most restorative period) and dilutes the ability to form memories in the night.
- Remember how much terror and turmoil were present in your life?
- Learn that you have choices and that you can maintain control.
- Surprise, surprise, but more restorative sleep leads to more energy.
When you stay sober, you allow more of your authentic self to shine through, which can lead to a greater sense of appreciation for who you are and the things you can accomplish. Alcohol and drug use is very hard on your physical health. Staying sober will allow your body to recover, which will help you feel better in the long run, both physically and mentally.
Sober Isn’t Boring: Reasons to Love Sobriety
Remember how much terror and turmoil were present in your life? Sober living is so much more peaceful than living a life of binging and regretting the use of drugs or alcohol the night before. If you can’t remember, again, ask someone you love to remind you how horrible life was when you were NOT sober. Is your freedom what keeps you walking the sobriety line? If so, think about it the next time you consider using drugs or alcohol. Not using drugs or alcohol is almost like a “stay out of jail free” card.
Alcohol and drugs are terrible for your immune system. When you don’t put anything unhealthy into your body, you won’t be so vulnerable to colds and stomach bugs. No matter what, I will always have a nagging feeling in my mind that tells me I am not good enough or that I am not where I want to be. However, sobriety gives me the ability to look at my life objectively, and see how full my life actually is. Over time, all those days and small victories add up to a life full of joy and contentedness. Over time, and with hard work on myself, I have become much more comfortable in the present moment.
Get Support
Being sober lets you push your boundaries and have fun in ways that aren’t possible when you’re drunk or high. You can travel to different places, try new things, and just be present in your life – and that’s always more fulfilling than checking out with a drink. Much of our social behaviors involve the use of substances in one form or another. Even if you’re not an addict, living a sober lifestyle can seem like a difficult feat. Apps like Pocket Rehab can connect you with others that will offer immediate support.
I have learned, through time and through self analysis, that the world is gray. Very rarely are there black and white answers to things. New hobbies may be most effective when you haven’t tried them before but have been interested in trying them and think they will feel enjoyable or meaningful. Many aspects of some cultures revolve around alcohol — networking events, date nights, celebratory champagne toasts — so it isn’t always easy to avoid alcohol entirely. When you drink a lot, your concept of fun is often limited to what’s on tap. When you’re sober, your skin health actually gets better.
Don’t End Up Like _______
These new relationships can help you in your sobriety. Challenges in the process can include intense cravings, relapse, or a return to using the mind-altering substance. Staying sober may require several strategies and supports, including seeking professional and peer support.
Long term goals are very rewarding, and they help maintain habits and ethic. Long term goals are usually broken up into a bunch of short term goals. This way, you’re able to feed your more immediate gratification, but also see how it plays into the bigger picture. Your brain wants immediate gratification or the most rewarding choice for the least amount of effort. While short term rewards aren’t inherently bad, there needs to be a balance or else one night blends into the next and so on.
