Fears That Can Sabotage Recovery and How to Manage Them

But when we no longer have those devices at our disposal, we’re left with only our minds, our willpower and our inner strength to carry us through the hard times. We’re forced to think and analyze our problems, to come up with solutions, and in doing so we may fail or make mistakes. But that’s how we grow and learn, and how we learn to cope better when the next challenge presents itself. Over time, our ability to cope and come up with solutions that work for us becomes easier and easier. There are a variety of reasons, aside from problem drinking, why someone might decide to be sober, including health concerns, general well-being and pregnancy. That “why” is usually personal, and doesn’t necessarily mean someone is an alcoholic or problem drinker.

Thankfully, things don’t usually turn out that way. There are many ways to create new friendships without drugs and alcohol. This can include meeting people in support groups, adopting new hobbies, going to classes that interest you and pursuing a new career path. Alternatively, you may think following a healthy lifestyle will be too challenging. The prospect of changing your habits completely can, indeed, seem quite daunting.

Why Am I Scared of Being Sober?

Where vacations in the past flew by and were marked by bloody mary brunches and evening cocktail hours, this trip felt restful, and I felt more present without drinking the time away. We provide you with the resources and support you need for a successful recovery that helps you now and fear of being sober throughout your entire life. Building a support system that works for you may feel overwhelming at first. You may not connect with every group or feel like you fit in at every meeting. You might discover that some people in your life may not be able to support you in the ways you need.

Your job is to recognize the fears for what they are – little lies we tell ourselves to keep from changing. Sometimes our fears are logical, but mostly they are not. These people know that the days are hard right now, but they endure because they also know that, eventually, they will come out on top. They don’t know when or how, but they trust that it will happen. In the meantime, they do what they must to survive the day. You’ll have some tough days, but they are temporary.

“I Am Afraid of What It Will Be like to Be Sober”

Simply the anticipation of a potentially unpleasant or stressful circumstance causes the brain to go into flight or fight mode. And since fear is always about something that might or could happen but hasn’t happened yet, it is a reaction to an imagined, rather than a real, event. Again, any fear you may have about sobriety rooted in self-loathing will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Some people manage to get there faster than others, but it’s not a competition. You will have strong days when you feel like you can take on the world. And you will have days when every minute feels like a struggle.

You have to make a decision to move forward by overcoming fear of those losses. You may be able to fix some of what’s lost and damaged. After months or years of being fixated on drugs and alcohol, who are you if you arent an addict?

Sobriety Fear #9: You won’t be able to handle your feelings without alcohol.

Whether you have one day sober or 10 years, recovery presents challenges. There are times when youll doubt yourself and get pushed outside of your comfort zone. There are times when you will fall short of a goal. At this point, you can either conclude that you dont deserve it or have what it takes, or you can try again. Our team can help you determine if your addiction treatment at Evoke Wellness could be at little to no-cost to you. Complete the form below and we will complete your insurance verification and get back with you shortly.

Take a look at our state of the art treatment center. That said, while “recovery” and “sobriety” are different terms, they’re also used interchangeably in some instances. Plus, being in recovery typically involves maintaining sobriety, so the two are somewhat intertwined. Worrying about it constantly will only strengthen your fears and lessen your resolve to do anything.

Sobriety Fear #12: Sobriety will always be hard.

You might be a little bored at first, but with time, you’ll discover new and more fulfilling things to do with your time. If you’ve spent the last umpteen years being THAT girl or guy, partying hard, struggling through the days hungover, and doing it all again – sobriety means an entirely new identity. What is the point of sobriety if you let yourself wallow in self-doubt and pity? I don’t believe you really feel that way because otherwise, you wouldn’t be here. You know, deep down, that you can and should have a better life.