When living a sober life after addiction, your overall health improves immensely. This is because you’re no longer attacking your body by putting dangerous amounts of toxic substances in it. Or it could be that you’ve developed a physical health problem that you know is probably due to drinking and you want to make positive changes before things get worse. If you’re not experiencing negative health effects right now, it might be a good idea to learn about what could happen if you do keep drinking. Leaving alcohol out of your daily life also contributes to your overall cardiovascular health, and reduces your risk of heart disease.
I’ve Got Way More Time
- Plus, having the energy to get things done or just chill and enjoy the morning quiet.
- A mocktail looks like a cocktail but doesn’t have any alcohol in it.
- This is especially true since you’re likely not taking care of your physical or mental health as it is while suffering from addiction.
- Support isn’t just needed to get a person started on the path to recovery from addiction.
These steps, when done with commitment, can result in sustained sobriety and the potential for you to live a healthy, productive, and substance-free life. You can learn more about treatment through some of our sobriety stories. Hear from real people who have struggled with substance misuse. You must be ready to change in order to find the best treatment program for you. It will help prevent relapse once the formal treatment program ends. With help from a healthcare professional, you can start looking for a treatment program that meets all of your unique needs.
Short-Term Sobriety
However, what many people consider to be “social levels” of drinking are actually defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as heavy drinking. Below are some of the many benefits of sobriety that are worth considering when choosing whether to work toward sobriety and maintain a life of abstinence. Reach out to someone for support on Pocket Rehab through the lifeline if reasons to stay sober you are really feeling like you may relapse. Immediate support can help by providing guidance to you in this difficult time.
Stay Cool and Calm
You might take a new way home from work, for example, to keep from going past your favorite old hangout. Once you’ve admitted that you have a problem with substance misuse, getting help is the next step. It can seem intimidating to look at the end goal and know the many steps it will take to get sober.
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of Not Drinking?
- When things like this happen, find a sober friend or loved one you can talk to for support.
- Immediate support can help by providing guidance to you in this difficult time.
- No matter where you look for support, having people on your team for support as you embark on your recovery journey will improve your chance for success.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- Do you feel hopeless, worthless, and undeserving of a better life?
- Developing coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings and triggers is vital, as these can be significant obstacles on the path to sobriety.
When you abuse large amounts of alcohol or drugs, your memory becomes foggy. So, you should become sober if you want your memory to improve. Chronically abusing substances has many more negative effects on human health. For example, chronic abuse of substances can cause you to either lose or gain an unhealthily large amount of weight. Therefore, when you become sober, your weight will likely stabilize itself. Call our 24/7 alcohol detox hotline for more information about alcohol treatment options, availability, and facility locations.
- If your family and or friends aren’t motivating you to seek help for your substance misuse, make an appointment with a medical or addiction treatment professional.
- As you consume more and more alcohol or drugs, you’ll likely stop eating a balanced diet altogether.
- Every day you go without drinking boosts your self-esteem, even if you don’t notice.
- There are numerous motivations for individuals to stay sober, including improved physical health and overall well-being.
- If you would like to discuss whether counseling is right for you, contact me here.
- If you are committed to taking the steps necessary to quit abusing drugs or alcohol, treatment professionals and members of your support group can help you throughout the recovery process.
By prioritizing your well-being, you can overcome the challenges of addiction and embrace a fulfilling life. Remember, the journey to sobriety is unique for each individual. Seeking professional guidance and building a strong support system are pivotal components of a successful recovery. By combining these strategies and staying committed to the process, individuals can achieve and maintain a fulfilling, sober life. Another good idea is to find new hobbies that you find fulfilling.
- Having a written relapse prevention plan can help you remember what to do if an urge strikes.
- This means that the brain and body have become so accustomed to having the substance present that without it, they can’t function properly.
- John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
- Instead of just getting by, sobriety allows you to strive toward your full potential.
- While we don’t want to encourage pointing fingers, it is okay for you to have a goal of NOT being like someone.