These unanticipated obstacles to wellbeing have the capacity to derail an otherwise smooth sailing recovery. I am very happy and grateful to be two years sober, but I wish I’d known then, what I know now. Just because it “seems” like things will never change, that is not actually the case. The nature of life is change, no matter what. How you feel today — no matter how boring, stifling, angering, or depressing it may be — will be different tomorrow. Your feelings will look different in a day, a week, a month, and a year, so look to the future with optimism.
- But you have to go forward, and that’s not an easy direction.
- When you’re feeling low, instead of sitting at home in isolation feeling sorry for yourself, get up and head to the local soup kitchen or veteran’s association.
- With a search volume of over 1.3k per month, it’s definitely a movement that’s gaining in popularity.
- Most of the staff were drinkers, and this job was chosen so that I could keep up with my hectic lifestyle of using.
Feeling Like Being Sober Sucks? 12 Tips for Feeling Better
When you’re in early recovery, even good days can be tough. It feels like you’re pulled in 521 directions at once, and there’s the constant draw to fall back into old habits. But when life sucks, staying sober can be more than hard, it can feel like it’s next to impossible. The first step in addressing a fear of sobriety is acknowledging the fear itself.
How to build a support system for sobriety
But when I drink, I often regret decision I made, then use every circumstances I faced as an alibi. I didn’t drink out of leisure and fun, I drink to vanish and sink. Because I’m ashamed, embarrassed of my existence. As I constantly preserved my diabolical routines, I created a loop-hole for myself. I forgot why I picked a fight with this person last night or why did I go for poor particular choice in my life. I simply forgot and I simply didn’t care.
Some people sober up, but they’re still jerks.
I would go on walks a few times a week because getting high and walking is super fun. I socialized with people more because people are more fun and entertaining and easy to talk to after a few glasses of wine. I’ve been waiting for the clarity of sobriety to wash over me and improve my life, but I think I might be someone who’s better off lost in the sauce. That was my routine, for days on end, and the only thing that made me not hate myself for any length of time was drinking and drugging.
Remember the Cost of Addiction
Alcohol is also a significant factor in domestic violence and disproportionately impacts women in the form of harassment, assault and unsafe environments. Growing up in more economic and financial uncertainty, Gen Z are more cautious. Research from Montclair State University reveals that this generation perceives risk ‘everywhere they turn’, seeing more danger in life through social media, mass shootings and the sober house climate crisis. This cautious attitude spills over to alcohol use.
And, although I absolutely believe that the positives outweigh the negatives, I also think that it’s essential that those of us who are sober talk about the bad parts too. Holding a drink – whether it’s sparkling water, a soda, or a mocktail – makes it less likely anyone will ask why you’re not drinking. As soon as you arrive, grab a drink (alcohol-free, of course) so you’re not lingering and overthinking. This helps you settle in before any anxiety creeps up. I used to think my deep, drunken conversations connected me to people but often it was me just waffling on, not absorbing what whoever was sat opposite me was actually saying.
Self-Reflection in Sobriety
A more open dialogue surrounding mental health means Gen Z are https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ also increasingly aware of alcohol’s tendency to impair emotional regulation and lower mood. Young people are generally be more health conscious and aware of alcohol’s detrimental effects. A report from The Linus Group found that over 70% of Gen Z describe themselves as healthy, using exercise and habits like meditation to stay well. Stock up on non-alcoholic options you love, like alcohol-free beers, kombucha, or fancy mocktails. Having something in your hand helps you feel part of the vibe. 💙 Start this simple 30-day program on Mindfulness for Beginners to build this supportive habit into your daily life.
Realizing that YOU were the problem
Acceptance of one another and each individual’s right to walk her own path is the solution. I share my experience because I do not want others to be blindsided like I was. Sobriety is not all roses and reggae, after all, and those who are in a position to help, will always stress the indisputable fact that being clear-headed is better than being a drunk. I know, I know, this website is called “Recovery Connection” and it is designed to encourage those who are suffering the slings and arrows of addiction to get help.
People experiencing nifaliophobia may avoid situations where substances are absent and feel severe anxiety about living sober. When you’re feeling down, seek out support from friends and family to help keep you sane and from slipping into old behaviors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and let people know that you’re having a hard time. They’ll be much happier that you reached out now, before you picked up, then afterwards, when a relapse has already happened.
