When people struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, they often recognize the continuing decline in their life qualities, health, and general well-being. Notwithstanding this fact, it can still be difficult to imagine a life of sobriety as being a comfortable and fulfilling one. This is by far the biggest lie that addiction ever told. Being sober and reveling in the freedom that comes with sobriety are among the most pleasurable things you’ll ever experience. When you’re not using drugs or alcohol to constantly alter your mental and emotional state, you’ll be able to enjoy ongoing mood balance.
Moreover, it will finally be possible to experience your complete range of emotions. You can also:
- Truly connect with and appreciate the people in your life
- Start planning for a brighter future
- Set goals and achieve them
- Develop relationships that are healthy and mutually fulfilling
Although it’s common to think about the discomfort that you’ll have to endure while detoxing and withdrawing from your substance of choice, it’s vital to account for all of the things that your addiction has taken away, as well as those that it will eventually take. Untreated drug and alcohol addiction can lead to the loss of your career, the loss of minor children, the loss of your driving privileges, and more. When you consider the pros and cons of remaining addicted this way, learning how to enjoy a sober life becomes easy.
Steps to Achieving Sobriety
Like many people, you may be under the mistaken impression that willpower is all you need to become sober and stay that way. This belief causes many individuals suffering from substance use disorder to attempt “going cold turkey” at home. When their efforts to self-treat drug or alcohol addiction don’t work, they beat themselves up emotionally, assume that they aren’t strong enough for sobriety, and return to their old habits again.
While some people have been able to successfully quit drugs or alcohol on their own, this self-defeating cycle has kept far more people trapped in addiction for years. If you’re truly committed to becoming sober and staying that way, seeking help is the first step towards making this a reality. There are countless arguments for professional addiction treatment.
Not only do people have a higher rate of success when seeking outside help for their addictions, but they also have the benefit of:
- Being able to detox safely and comfortably with medical supervision
- Counseling services that help them identify the underlying causes of their addictions
- Support for secondary or underlying issues such as comorbidities, past trauma, and unresolved grief
The professionals who run drug treatment programs also have an in-depth understanding of the many challenges that people are likely to face throughout their recoveries. When you’re ready to proactively battle and beat drug or alcohol addiction, you want to know how to stay sober for the long-term. This will prevent the need to experience the challenges of detox multiple times, and it will ensure that your life always remains on a positive and forward-moving course. The strategies and services offered by professional rehab centers can help.
Strategies for Maintaining Your Sobriety After Treatment
Throughout drug and alcohol addiction treatment, people learn more about why they’ve started using substances, why they’ve continued to do so, and how to effectively deal with the temptations, cravings, and triggers that they’re likely to face in the future. However, as patients near the end of their programs, the focus of treatment begins to shift towards the process of rebuilding lives. Patients have to learn how to reenter the world and establish comfortable, healthy, and sustainable lifestyles.
Addiction counselors help facilitate this return to individual autonomy and freedom by sharing information on resources for career-building and professional development, affordable housing, legal support, and more. Patients are also encouraged to begin setting goals and to start identifying resources to support their goals on their own. All of these efforts are designed to make maintaining a sober lifestyle easier and infinitely more enjoyable.
Finding the Right Post-Treatment Support
Once you’ve exited treatment, you may choose to spend time in a sober living home, a halfway house, or another environment that’s filled with like-minded individuals who are also committed to maintaining their sobriety. Joining support groups, taking part in continued outpatient treatment, or finding a good relapse prevention program are all things that you can do to keep your recovery on track. If you’re ready to experience the joys of being sober and want to learn more about the different programs and services that can assist you, we’re here to help. Call us today at 866-963-7200.
