Some studies find that this structure, along with a start date for sobriety and milestones, is important to some people in recovery. Depending on the type of dependency, PAWS can last from six months to two years after you stop using drugs or alcohol. Lasting recovery requires lasting effort, but relapse is not failure or weakness; it takes more than willpower to maintain sobriety.
Is Sobriety Worth It?
People in recovery generally agree that abstinence is necessary but remains just a starting point for a new, sober life. For many people with a substance use disorder, it’s simply a matter of never having learned the appropriate way to manage anger. Talk to your therapist, other healthcare provider, or sponsor about how to deal with your anger in ways that won’t cause you to harm yourself or others or turn to alcohol or drugs. Think about the people in your life who positively influence you and your sobriety goals.
- Practicing mindfulness means that you’re focused on the present moment and enjoying it for all that it is, rather than thinking about the past or the future.
- An alternative to learning something new is volunteering.
- Family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances — the damage occurs across the board.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Relapse Prevention Plan
Driving while under the influence can also lead to these consequences, as well as potential harm to others. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, chronic marijuana use during adolescent years has been proven to lead to an irretrievable loss of IQ points. Use at reasons to stay sober any age can affect memory and concentration for days or weeks after the high wears off. 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.
- Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) involves withdrawal symptoms that persist past the detox period.
- Think about other activities that bring you calm, and leave you feeling energized.
Create Structure in Your Life
One big reason people feel so afraid of sobriety is because of what they see in the media, pop culture and even from people they know on social media. There’s the sense that if you’re not using drugs or alcohol, somehow life is boring or uninteresting. There’s the misconception that if you’re sober, you aren’t fun, you won’t be able to enjoy your life to the fullest and you’ll have trouble forming relationships. Too many people wait for the “perfect time” to seek help for substance abuse. Being sober will not only monumentally improve your life — it will save your life. The fact is that addiction treatment and recovery can only help you if you are ready to receive that help and reclaim your life from drug and alcohol addiction.
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