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For those of us with more challenging mental health issues, maybe it includes a treatment plan to help you cut through the fog. Surprise, surprise, but more restorative sleep leads to more energy. If someone is dependent on alcohol, then they’re not getting the sleep they need and thereby putting extra strain on their body and mind everyday. Similar to how you’d “wring out a a sponge,” brain cells actually shrivel up to 40% of their usual size to expose and wash away waste.
As long as you’re not harming anyone else in the process, introduce habits into your life in a way that you are most likely to stick to them. Make it easy for you to come back again and try it tomorrow. Around this time we had finally started to feel settled in our new town and house on the south coast. It was finally that time of year when you could wear the same clothes all day. You know when you no longer need a jumper in the morning and then again in the evening. By strict definition, I have been sober for 40 weeks.
Crucial First Steps in Recovery: Overcoming Withdrawal
Without the influence of substances, you have the opportunity to enjoy sober relationships while ending toxic relationships. You can form authentic relationships built on mutual respect, interests, and understanding rather than just who is willing or available to drink or use drugs with you. Nothing derails your productivity like a drug or alcohol use disorder. These substances distract your attention and make it difficult to focus on tasks or responsibilities.
But when you live in sobriety, your judgments around eating become more informed and aware. Not only that but your body becomes much less dehydrated which helps us to fight unhealthy cravings. Quitting drugs and alcohol allows your body to return to natural, healthy functionality. Because you’re sleeping better, you’ll experience increased energy.
Does Alcohol Show Up On A Drug Test? (It depends.)
Sober life allows you to seek new activities that you enjoy and learn new things about yourself. You may find out that you enjoy tennis and that you’re really good at it. You wouldn’t have the time to do so if you were still in the midst of addiction, and you can thank sobriety for the ability to learn new things. Drinking alcohol can be fine in moderation for some people, but alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder can lead to health issues and personal and professional problems. If you’re questioning the role alcohol plays in your life, you might be curious about what it’s like to lead a “sober life” without alcohol. Sobriety is your body at its most natural state, so when you’re sober, your body goes back into a more regular rhythm.
When you’re misusing drugs or alcohol, your relationships may be built on substance use. You’re more likely to surround yourself with other people who also misuse substances, and that can mean you never really get to know people without the influence of these substances. Romantic relationships may also be built on the use of drugs or alcohol, and frequently become toxic.
You’ll Get the Opportunity to Repair Broken Relationships
I was able to realise that yeah, it happened, but it doesn’t;t actually mean anything. I have control over how much that feeling or thought affects me. I said to Paul, “I think I’ve just realised something, you don’t get the benefit from this shit at sober house the time, or immediately after. It comes to you throughout your day-to-day life.” I can’t remember exactly what he said, but it was a lot kinder way of saying, “yeah no shit, idiot”. After a few days I started to feel like 5 minutes wasn’t enough.
- Personal growth is a big part of getting sober and creating healthy boundaries for yourself will help you achieve that.
- There are many effects of using drugs or alcohol that go beyond feeling high or drunk.
- Learning to redirect your focus to things that matter will be key to staying sober.
- We are here to work with you on building a successful, fulfilling path to lifelong recovery.
Addiction destroys relationships but now you have the chance to develop genuine, lasting relationships with non-drug-using friends and work to repair old ones. In fact, you might be surprised to find that many of your loved ones have been waiting to welcome you back into their lives with open arms. Back when you were addicted, you spent so much time being preoccupied with your next high, getting high, or recovering from it.