What's stopping you from getting sober? Is it fear of failure? Fear of being judged?
Most people who struggle with addiction--whether drugs or alcohol are afraid to stop because they don't want to be alone, both in terms of lost relationships and the relationship with their substance of choice.
Getting sober can be very scary at first. Fear of what life will be like when all the mind-altering substances and parties stop is a common reason people don't want to get clean. Getting sober also means that you have to admit that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, which can be scary for some people to do on its own. The problem is that addicts often don't get the help and treatment they need to stop using because they are afraid of what other people will think or the perceived consequences of admitting they have a problem.
The good news is that after getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction and going through recovery, most people realize that their reasons for not getting sober aren't valid. Living a sober life is often thought to be the best thing they've ever done.
Fears: Here are some of the most common things people are afraid of when they start to get clean. They also show how these fears aren't true once they're clean.
1. "I Won't Have The Strength To Stay The Course."
Sobriety isn't the only thing that stops people from getting what they want in life. People are afraid of failing more than anything else. People who are afraid of failing can think about what would happen if they didn't try and what would happen if they did try. They should think about what would happen if they didn't try and what would happen if they did try (relapsing into drug or alcohol use and then trying to get sober again).
This way, it is clear that even if you do not succeed at first, giving sobriety a try is the best thing to do. You can also get help from an addiction treatment center like- Serenity Falls, to improve your chances of getting and staying sober for a long time.
2. "I'll hate being sober."
Because they think they'll hate it, many people don't want to get clean. As someone who drinks or takes drugs, it's not hard to see why the idea of living a sober life is difficult. People are afraid of the unknown. When you get sober, many people don't know that there are many ways that your life will be a million times better.
The best way to get back in charge of your life is to start now.
3. "I'm afraid I'll get boring."
Drugs and alcohol make people less likely to think before they act, making it easier for them to do what they want. In some cases, this could be a good thing, like a little "liquid courage" to help you talk to that cute person at the bar.
People who drink and drive while intoxicated often lose money. This is why you and your friends go out at 2 am, dance at tables, spend all of your money on more alcohol or drugs, sleep with strangers, or drive drunk. It's not always a good thing to lose your inhibitions, however. You won't get drunk and make bad decisions now does not mean that your life is boring.
I have been sober for ten years, and in that time, my life has been more exciting than ever. I've traveled worldwide from Bangladesh to Russia, China, South America, Italy, Spain, Greece, and dozens of other places. I've had the excitement of starting my own business, having children, getting married, buying a house, and pursuing my dreams. Getting sober doesn't make you boring; it's quite the opposite; it frees you to be able to do anything you want!
4. "I am afraid that my life will become monotonous."
When you no longer spend your time getting high or drunk, your life will become the exact opposite of boring. Think about how you always go out with the same people and drink or take drugs at the same place (or one of a few local hot spots). There is more time for new sober activities when you get clean. These activities go a long way toward making your life better and happier.
If you don't buy drugs or alcohol, the money you save can quickly add up to pay for a trip or put down money on a house! There are so many ways to go.
5. "I do not want to be called an "addict" or "alcoholic."
Admitting that you have a problem can be a scary thing to contemplate. It can be even more treacherous when you think about being called an "addict" or "alcoholic" for the rest of your life. But it would be best if you remembered that you could choose who you share your journey with and who you don't. Only people who are close to you need to know why you decided to stop taking drugs or other substances.
6. "I will no longer be able to cope with pain."
Most of the time, people become addicted to drugs or alcohol because they have a lot of pain inside. In some cases, addiction can be linked to trauma or a co-occurring mental disorder, but it can also be used as a way to deal with stress or emotions. A drink of wine or a joint won't make you feel better, so you have to get sober instead.
As we get mature, we need to learn healthy ways to deal with the pain and difficulties that life can throw at us. For most of those seeking recovery, this will be one of the most real fears they have when they get sober because the pain inside can be very scary. However, with professional help, this can also be done much easier than most people think.
7. "My friends will leave me.
Because they might lose their friends, many people are afraid of getting sober. After getting sober, some of your friends will leave. People who are your friends, not just when you drink and do drugs with them, become true friends that are always by your side--not just fair-weather friends or party friends.
You will notice the difference between the fair-weather friends--the ones who have been there for the drugs or alcohol and the people who are your true friends. They will leave to keep taking drugs or alcohol (who will stay with you and support you through your decision to get sober).
Your true friends may have to take a short break from you if they are too addicted to drugs or alcohol. But remember that anyone who truly cares about you will always come back. When you're sober, you'll be able to form more meaningful, long-term friendships that aren't based on alcohol-based interactions.
8. "Someone will say something."
Being afraid to improve your own life because you don't want people to think bad of you is a common, but silly, fear. You are living your life for yourself, not for other people. You aren't living it for them. It doesn't matter what other people think if getting sober will make your life better.
Everyone can make the life they want and deserve, but only they can make it happen. Getting sober will help you get closer to those goals.
Getting sober is by far the thing I would identify as the hardest thing I've done, and once I did it, I knew I could do anything. Choosing sobriety and sticking with it gives you the confidence to pursue anything. I've started three businesses, graduated with multiple degrees, ran marathons, and raised children.
9. "Nothing ever will be the same."
This "fear" is correct. Living a sober life is different than using one. It will be much better, and it won't even be close.
Try to make this thought exciting instead of scary. The more you drink, the clearer your mind will become; you will have more energy, money, and time. A lot more good comes from living than not having to deal with a hangover or coming down from a drink or two the next day. There are a lot more positives than that.
Stop being afraid and get sober right now.