The Challenge of Sobriety and the Journey to Recovery
Many ask the question, “What’s harder, getting sober or staying sober?”
The truth of the matter is, staying sober tends to be where most individuals struggle. According to Beyond Sober, this struggle often leads to lapses and relapses. It’s common for people in recovery to say, “Perhaps I’ll just switch to beer instead of harder substances,” especially when they start feeling better.
Feeling better physically or emotionally can be a double-edged sword in recovery. On one hand, it’s a positive sign of progress. However, it can also lead to overconfidence, where one might believe they’re “good enough to drink.” It’s vital to understand that saying no to a substance, while a significant step, is just challenging oneself in sobriety. It’s not the end goal but a part of the journey.
Sobriety is not just about abstaining from addictive substances, but about saying yes to recovery. This involves a holistic approach to change: drinking more water, nurturing different thoughts, experiencing different feelings, and engaging in new activities.
It’s about building a new life, surrounded by positive influences. By embracing these changes, you’re recovering into a person who doesn’t need a drink or doesn’t believe they need a drink.
Our bodies are complex systems with about 1,400 different chemicals and around 50 different hormones running through them. This complexity means that recovery is not just a mental but also a physical journey. Any slight imbalance in these chemicals or hormones can disrupt our moods and well-being.
For instance, a minor shift in a hormone on an otherwise normal Tuesday could lead to feelings of anger or frustration.
In conclusion, the journey to sobriety is a multifaceted one. It’s not just about saying no to substances, but about saying yes to recovery and a renewed way of living.
As highlighted by Sober Not Sober, the path to recovery is not linear. It’s filled with ups and downs, lapses, and relapses. However, by embracing change and learning to navigate the complexities of our bodies, we can progress towards becoming people who don’t need or believe we need a drink.
K O H D I | Beyond Sober
