Did you know that, in 2017, nearly 20 million American adults aged 12 and over battled a substance use disorder?
If you’re struggling with addiction, the reality is that you’re far from alone. Addiction can grasp anyone, and while it may seem impossible to get back to a sober life, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. With the right mindset and a support system around you, you’d be surprised at what you can achieve.
Are you thinking about fighting your substance addiction and getting on the road to sobriety? If you are, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re sharing what it’s like getting sober from drugs and alcohol in MA.
Why Sobriety Can Seem Scary
When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, life without euphoric highs or numbing intoxication can seem empty and boring. Living life sober can seem like a lot of hard work which makes it appear miserable, and this is often why some people suffering from substance abuse dismiss the idea of getting sober altogether.
It’s true that sobriety can seem scary; what if you don’t like who you are sober? What if your life doesn’t have any meaning when you aren’t on drugs or alcohol? These looming questions can keep you away from the life and opportunities you deserve.
What Is Sobriety Really Like?
It’s one of the first questions: what is sobriety really like?
Sometimes, sobriety can seem “too good to be true” or simply unattainable. However, anyone can achieve a healthy, sober life no matter how far into addiction they are.
While sobriety feels different to each unique individual, there is an overarching theme of happiness, fulfillment, achievement, gratitude when it comes to living life sober. People who achieve sobriety often see an improvement in their relationships with loved ones, increased wellbeing, and a more positive outlook on themselves and life in general.
The Steps to Getting Closer to Sobriety
All you need is the will to change. This will doesn’t have to be huge, either; the smallest amount of hope to get better will work just fine. Check out the next steps to get closer to sobriety listed below:
- Honesty: Before a person who suffers from substance abuse chooses to be on the road to recovery, it’s common for them to deny their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Being honest about how powerless you are against certain substances is the first step in getting better.
- Faith: Whether a person who suffers from substance abuse is religious or not, faith is an important part of getting sober. It’s as simple as having faith in yourself to be able to overcome your addiction or having faith in God to help you.
- Surrender: This step means giving yourself permission to receive the help, support, and treatment that you need. It means understanding that you can’t do it alone and that you deserve to have a happy, sober life.
- Soul searching: By gaining a deeper understanding of self, a person who suffers from substance abuse can learn more about why they depend on drugs or alcohol and how their addiction affects others. Soul searching involves finding meaning about one’s self, and about life as a whole.
- Integrity: Admitting your problems and when you slip up is a part of having integrity for yourself and for those around you. It also means holding yourself accountable when it would be easy to give in to cravings.
- Acceptance: Accepting who you are is another important part of achieving a sober life. If you can accept your flaws and know that you can overcome your addiction, then you’ll be more motivated to stay clean.
- Humility: Nobody can treat their addiction all by themself. Humility means listening to others and letting them help you, even if you don’t exactly agree with them on everything.
- Willingness: A person who suffers from substance abuse must be willing to try everything in their power to beat their addiction. They must have a will to live a sober life, even if that means facing withdrawals or intense cravings and relapse.
- Forgiveness: Forgiving yourself for the mistakes you’ve made in the past can help you feel free. Let go of what happened and look forward to a life without drugs or alcohol.
- Maintenance: To achieve a sober life, maintenance is required. You’ll have to hold yourself accountable and complete rituals that help you stay focused on your goals.
- Making contact: Nourish the healthy, supportive relationships in your life as you get closer to sobriety. Keep in touch with those who have helped you on your way, and make sure you let them know how grateful you are for their support.
- Service: When you reach sobriety, you can help others by sharing your story and supporting people who are lost in the ropes of addiction. Your story of success could be exactly what someone needs to hear!
Anyone can beat their addiction with the right kind of support. Now that you’re aware of these steps, you can get started on your journey to the happy, healthy, sober life you deserve!
Try Getting Sober From Drugs and Alcohol in MA
Don’t know what sobriety feels like? You can!
The first step to getting sober from drugs and alcohol is to admit to yourself that you need help. Being sober comes along with incredible life benefits including healthier relationships, more opportunities, and a better mental state. If you’re interested in battling your addiction and living the best life for yourself, try getting sober from drugs and alcohol in MA with our treatment programs.
