There are exceptions to this, like if someone alludes to their own struggle with alcohol, and then I might offer up a bit more of my personal experience. This isn’t to say that all of your friends will be threatened, or that all of your friendships will change. Some will certainly remain, but even those aren’t necessarily long-game friendships. Sobriety is kind of like the fast-pass line at Disneyland, except the ride is growing up. While making the decision to be sober was the best thing I’ve ever done, it’s also one of the hardest.
- You will have days when you don’t necessarily make the strongest choices to improve your well-being or strengthen your recovery.
- Unfortunately, for someone in recovery, feelings of discontent are dangerous.
- Staying sober every day is an incredible feat.
- If you try your best and are patient, with time, sobriety will be something you’re grateful for.
- I’m not sad, I don’t want to die, and antidepressants haven’t helped.
Head out of town with some sober friends for a few hours to get a change of scenery. It is very common to consider relapsing when going through recovery, and help is something that should be utilised at these times. You may have already found what works for you. Quit lit books might have got you through times before, so pick one up and take time out to read a little bit.
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Even if you are making one small choice to improve how you feel each day, like working out more or eating better, track it. You can then consistently look back, see how far you’ve come, and assess what you have accomplished along the way. Instead of isolating and giving into feeling bad, reach out and connect with others who might be going through the same thing.
- Similarly, a reader who commented on my post, “What Recovering Alcoholics Can Teach Us About Happiness,” discussed her negative experience in AA.
- They can feel overwhelming and like they will never end.
- I have always hated the feeling that I’m putting people out or being difficult.
- I much preferred the party atmosphere, not only was it exciting but people seemed more interesting and humble.
- Or maybe those crotchety old-timers like to complain about life.
Acceptance of one another and each individual’s right to walk her own path is the solution. If you feel like sobriety sucks, you need more support. You can find the balance in recovery you need. You have to motivate yourself, schedule it in, and consistently do the things that will help you improve your life in recovery. Get coffee with a friend to take your mind off relationship problems. Ask for extra hours at work if you’re having a hard time with roommates.
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I got out of debt, started a company that provides digital recovery, launched a podcast, and am in the middle of writing a book. Unfortunately, for someone in recovery, feelings of discontent are dangerous. It doesn’t take long for thoughts to become words and words to become actions. Before you know it, a lousy day in sobriety can quickly turn into your last day in sobriety if you turn to drugs and alcohol to ease your emotional discomfort.
Go to a 12-step meeting, find a sober group online, or call a sober friend who understands. Please remember that you have already achieved great things in your life for you and those surrounding you. By choosing to be sober, you have given so much, changed so many aspects of your life. A lifestyle that you have worked so hard to get rid of previously – all from that initial thought of being sober sucks.
Step back and look at what else you can do to help yourself right now.
Getting through recovery’s ups and downs requires you to do more than just occasionally show up and interact with people who may be able to support you. When you feel better, your mood is elevated, you’re more likely to ignore the little annoyances, being sober sucks and you’re less likely to feel like a relapse is your only way out of any uncomfortable situations that may arise. Anything you can do to improve your overall health and wellness will serve double duty and improve your ability to stay sober.
Many newcomers wonder how long-time members can make these claims when sober members are still acting out. Similarly, a reader who commented on my post, “What Recovering Alcoholics Can Teach Us About Happiness,” discussed her negative experience in AA. She described some longtime members as “seething cauldrons of anger.” Another commenter observed that many AA members are caught in a cycle of negativity. This is certainly a common view for many who spend time in AA. When you handle the little things that are within your immediate grasp, you have an easier time handling other stressors and taking active steps to address them rather than getting bogged down in an emotional response.