Some definitions of sobriety call for complete lifelong abstinence while others focus on developing coping mechanisms that can reduce harm with the understanding that setbacks are common. However, the word is often used in different ways in different contexts. Many 12-step programs suggest that sobriety means total abstinence—never using the substance ever again. This article discusses what sobriety means and describes strategies that can support your long-term recovery. It also covers tips on how to deal with the challenges you’ll face on your journey to sobriety. With relapse prevention therapy, you can identify your warning signs that lead to relapse, and learn to manage these signs while you are still in recovery.
For those on Moderation Management plans, that means no more than 4 drinks in one sitting for men and 3 drinks in one sitting for women. According to this plan, men and women shouldn’t drink more than 3-4 days per week. These official guidelines come from the non-profit Moderation Management. It has become a way for people to learn how to stop harmful patterns when they drink and identify triggers for those behaviors. Some people treat short-term sobriety as a way to lose weight or as a response to an indulgent vacation. “There’s this idea that you’re either a problem drinker or an alcoholic, or a normal drinker who has no issues with alcohol.
But consumers aren’t turning away from alcohol entirely…
Holly Whitaker outlines her own experience in recovery from an alcohol addiction and uses her reflections to critique alcohol’s ubiquity in our world today. She offers particular focus on how Big Alcohol preys on women, exploiting our insecurities, wants, and needs to make alcohol all the more appealing. If you’re looking for a sober curiosity handbook, this is a great place to start.
- Your therapist may recommend that you attend group counseling sessions.
- It was my jumping-off point into a life I knew I had buried inside of me.
- Month-long sobriety challenges like Sober October and Dry January have encouraged people to reevaluate their alcohol use.
- Getting sober and staying sober may seem like an insurmountable challenge if you look at the rest of your life.
- You’ll enjoy general health and wellness that you can’t necessarily achieve if you’re drinking or using drugs.
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. So if all of your friends drink alongside you, then there’s no issue, right? Well, there’s a concept in psychology known as “confirmation https://curiousmindmagazine.com/selecting-the-most-suitable-sober-house-for-addiction-recovery/ bias,” and it means that we often look for evidence to support something that we already believe to be true. “Even as the AA category grows, premium alcoholic beverages will perform strongly as consumers drink less but increasingly opt for higher quality options.
Is It Normal To Be This Anxious in Recovery?
Be sure to tune into her stories where she speaks vulnerably about her journey cutting alcohol out of her life. 2020 saw many of us turning to alcohol to cope; Ina Garten breaking out the extra-large martini glasses broke the internet and virtual happy hours–however short-lived–seemed like the only way to socialize. With more time than ever spent at home, we also had the space to reflect on our habits, and question why we were so quick to pour a glass of wine when we needed to relax.
However, living a sober life will help improve your physical, and in particular, your mental health. Given the prominence and dependence of alcohol in our culture, it’s easy to see why breaking up with alcohol—in the short- or long-term—presents a challenge. It’s a part of how we socialize, conduct business, and build connections. Thankfully, one of the key progress markers of the sober curious movement has been proving so we can lead fulfilled lives even if we choose not to drink.
Clean Living: The Ticket to a Better Life
Instead of thinking, “I won’t be able to drink with my friends,” remind yourself that cutting out alcohol can energize you, leaving you open to socializing in more rewarding ways. The sober curious movement, however, suggests there’s plenty of room for alternative approaches. Regular social drinking has become so normalized that many people find it more unusual when someone chooses not to drink outside of health or religious reasons. If you’re struggling with addiction, it’s important to reach out for help.
You can learn how to communicate better and how to get better in all aspects of life. Once you have gone through the process and your body is clean, you never have to go through it again- so long as you stay clean. If you are withdrawing from opiates you need medical supervision. You may not even be considered for long term treatment until all traces of the substance are gone from your system.
Let Ethos Recovery for Men Help You on The Road to Recovery
When you’re using drugs or alcohol, you can feel like you’re skating through life, but never really feeling or being in any of the moments. Living a drug-free life or an alcohol-free life means not only that you can be present, but that you’ll remember everything in your life in a clear-headed way. Life after addiction allows you to feel more in control of your activities and your relationships.
Be the first to comment