At this point, you can either conclude that you dont deserve it or have what it takes, or you can try again. With your support network, mark milestones in your sobriety, whether they’re days, weeks, months, or years. Celebrating these achievements can boost your morale and reinforce the value of your efforts toward sobriety. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or other local sobriety support groups offer a community of people who are going through similar challenges.
Accept your fears and know that it’s okay
Our comprehensive sober living programs in Austin, Texas, are designed to guide you through the process, offering support every step of the way. Maybe you’re ready—you’re practically desperate—to get sober and to change your life. The idea of getting sober in rehab only to relapse on the outside is a frightening thought. What you should know is that fear of being sober almost all addicts seeking help have relapses. Most will stumble, but that doesn’t mean failure.
- In fact, they ghosted you, and now you’re left holding the emotional bad by yourself.
- It is not okay however, to let the fear of the unknown keep you stuck.
- If you are afraid of being sober, the first step in overcoming that fear is stepping outside of your comfort zone and doing something that you don’t necessarily want to do.
- You can choose how much to tell them about where you’re going and why.
- Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they are not always dangerous.
Identify Your Personal Triggers
According to Merriam-Webster, being sober simply means abstaining from alcohol and drugs. Though some people are sober for their entire lives, others may have sober episodes of a few years, months, or even days. I did that for the longest time, even though I wanted to quit drinking, when I thought of sobriety I felt afraid. After all, if drinking has been such a huge part of your life, the thought of never drinking again, ever, can be terrifying. Second, it’s essential to reach out to a support system.
Fear of Failing at Sobriety
People experiencing nifaliophobia may avoid situations where substances are absent and feel severe anxiety about living sober. Nifaliophobia is an anxiety disorder focused on sobriety and the fears related to facing a life without alcohol or drugs. This may include worries about losing social connections or coping with life’s stresses unaided. This fear may manifest as an intense and persistent anxiety. It is common for people to have a fear of sobriety, especially if they have been struggling with addiction for a long time. Many individuals facing alcohol and drug addiction have developed a lifestyle around their addiction.
Tips For Avoiding Triggers That Lead To Alcohol Relapse
Knowing in advance how to decline alcoholic drinks or drug use in social situations can make it easier to stick to your sobriety. Practice and plan your responses so that you feel confident and prepared in these environments. Fear of recovery not working and that you will return to use is real. In fact, for many of us returning to use is a reality of recovery. By its very nature, substance use disorder is referred to as a relapsing condition. I would much rather fail and keep trying than stay stuck on a one-way path to destruction.
What is more scary? Taking the step or staying stuck?
- John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
- First, it’s important to educate yourself about sobriety.
- Overcoming fears in any situation is difficult, but when it involves a life change, it can be especially challenging.
- Change can be scary, but it can also be gratifying.
In a medical detox, a specialized drug team will be with you all of the way. They will provide you with round-the-clock care and supervision, ensuring that your physical and mental health is in good shape. Also, your treatment center’s team will be able to provide you with the most effective medication to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be intense, but with the right kind of treatment, you will find it much more manageable to deal with withdrawals than you imagined. Starting a new life can feel scary and overwhelming. Going from abusing drugs to living sober often involves major changes in your lifestyle.
Links for more support
That meant that no matter what, no matter what I was going through, how bored I was, or how I was feeling, I had to completely abstain. 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. Once I did get sober (and once I stayed sober for several years) I realized that I was truly becoming the best version of myself.
- Most people will need ongoing support groups for some time after detox.
- I told her how awful I felt and all about how I had been “diagnosed” with anxiety, so I really, truly needed a prescription for something to feel better.
- Some people may want nothing to do with you, no matter how much you change.
- Check out the Sober Powered Podcast to learn more about how alcohol affects the brain.
Support
Finding an addiction treatment center with aftercare planning services can help you overcome your fears of long-term sobriety. It’s okay to be uneasy when you’re getting your sealegs with living sober. Triggers and cravings can be a constant concern in the early stages of sobriety, but be brave. Life is full of every kind of opportunity you could want if you’re courageous enough to take them.