Rethinking Sobriety: Embracing Fearlessness and Regaining Control of Your Social Life
As an ex-alcoholic, I can confidently tell you that conventional sobriety advice may not always be the best route for everyone. Often, we are told to steer clear of environments where alcohol is present — this includes bars, festivals, and even certain restaurants.
This approach stems from a place of fear, suggesting that you should isolate yourself from potential triggers that could lead to a relapse. However, this restrictive mindset can take a toll on your social life and may even exacerbate existing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
Rather than operating from a place of fear, I encourage you to embrace fearlessness in your sobriety journey. Shying away from potential triggers only feeds into the fear and doesn’t allow you to fully regain control over your life. Each time a well-meaning friend tells you to avoid a certain place or event, it can spur subconscious anxiety, leaving you feeling more fearful and less in control.
This kind of anxiety is often what leads people to start drinking in the first place, so it’s essential to confront and manage it effectively.
The key to overcoming this cycle of fear and anxiety is to remember that you are in control. You don’t have an energetic attachment to a pint of beer, nor is there some uncontrollable force leading you to have a drink. The power to stay sober lies within you. How do I know this?
Through my work with Beyond Sober, I’ve interacted with thousands of people embarking on their sobriety journey, and all of them have expressed that maintaining sobriety was far less challenging than they had imagined.
If you’re sober-curious or already on your sobriety journey, remember that it only takes four days to get alcohol out of your body. The initial stage of detox might be challenging, but it’s crucial to remember your inherent strength and resilience. If the journey ahead seems daunting, know that there are plenty of support systems and resources available to you, such as those offered by Sober Not Sober.
In conclusion, it’s essential to embark on your sobriety journey fearlessly. Rather than avoiding potential triggers, learn how to manage them effectively. Remember that the power to stay sober lies within you, and there are countless resources available to support you along the way. Don’t let fear dictate your choices — you are stronger than you think!
Written by: K O H D I | Beyond Sober
