For most addicts, this will be one of the most valid fears of getting sober, because the pain inside can be scary. However, with professional help, this too can be overcome much easier than most people realise. Learning healthy coping skills is key when it comes to dealing with the pain and struggles that life sometimes presents. 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.

I recharge when I’m by myself, and I deplete when I’m with others—especially big groups. This isn’t to say that all of your friends will be threatened, or that all of your friendships will change. Some will certainly remain, but even those aren’t necessarily long-game friendships.

Sobriety Fear #4: You’ll actually succeed.

Getting clean really does slow things down, especially your racing mind. Now don’t get me wrong, getting sober doesn’t mean getting healthy. Many people replace alcohol with food or other unhealthy habits. With that being said, I personally have seen and know lots of people who used their recovery as a catalyst to start taking their health and nutrition more seriously. Now I am much more content with just knowing in my heart the reason I stay sober a day at a time.

It is common for people to have a fear of sobriety, especially if they have been struggling with addiction for a long time. The unpredictability of change can be really scary for some people. What will a life without drugs and alcohol look like? These are legitimate questions some people may ask themselves and fears of the unforeseeable future could hold them back from getting the help they need. 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.

Sobriety Fear #5: You won’t know who you are anymore.

Family and friends supportive of recovery can help by reinforcing new behaviors and providing positive incentives to continue with treatment. Getting sober is by far the thing I would fear of being sober 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.

If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Resource Specialist can help you find expert mental health resources to recover in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service to our users.

Fear of change

I’d bet nine out of 10 of us won’t even answer, and we’ll just laugh because it’s such a ridiculous question. Sobriety doesn’t necessarily turn you into Liz Lemon, but it can give you the clarity to understand that you’ve been Liz Lemon your whole life. Personally, I always thought drunk people were fun, and I didn’t want my own poop relationship with alcohol to stand out.

• I was afraid of sobriety because I was afraid that I was going to be boring and dull – that no one would like me anymore.
• These days, unless I’m feeling generous, I simply say, “I don’t drink,” and leave it at that.
• If you are afraid of always being sober, simply stay sober and you will quickly realize that it isn’t all that bad.
• People who drink and drive while intoxicated often lose money.

Recognizing this need for change means taking into account how drugs or alcohol have been causing problems in areas of your life. It’s OK if a person returns to this step many times on their journey toward sobriety. When we aren’t sober, we can use that as an excuse to avoid those problems. Coping mechanisms are tough—they work temporarily, and allow us to avoid and put things aside for the time being. We use alcohol to cover up our pain and our problems. We use drugs to numb ourselves and our emotions and to push off thinking for another day.

Your mental and emotional health.

Relapse rates for substance use addictions are around 40% to 60%. Setbacks don’t erase progress; they don’t mean you’ve “failed” to stay sober. 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). As we get mature, we need to learn healthy ways to deal with the pain and difficulties that life can throw at us.

• And when you are ready, reach out for help as soon as possible.
• If all of your friends abuse alcohol and/or your spouse abuses alcohol, it makes a lot of sense to fear what will happen next.
• If you or a loved one are suffering from substance abuse or addiction, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible – before the problem gets worse.
• Following are the most common fears people have about getting sober, along with the reality of these fears once sobriety has been reached.

You have to spend time acquiring your substance of choice, using it, and then recovering from its effects. You can use it to work on your hobbies, learn new skills, spend time with your loved ones, work out, or anything else you please. When you’re under the influence, it’s all too easy to give in to cravings for something greasy, sweet, or salty. You have fewer cravings, and you’re not surrounded by temptations like bar food. Join me for two powerful, focused, dedicated one-to-one coaching sessions for the price of one!