So if you’ve hidden your addiction well up until now, that’s not going to last. Eventually, other people will know you fear of being sober have a problem. Rather than waiting for them to find out after a terrible accident or losing your job, seek help now.
More in Signs of Addiction
While phobias can be distressing and create disruptions in your life, they are treatable. Some of the different treatment options include therapy and medication. Rare phobias may be novel terms coined to identify a single, unique case or fear that occur quite infrequently. Some phobias are more common, while others are often quite rare. One important thing to remember is that virtually any object can become a fear object. The names of specific phobias are often formed as nonce words, or words coined for a single occasion only.
Sobriety Fear #2: Everything will change.
- That’s why it’s important to be kind to yourself as you work towards a more balanced way of living.
- So, you start focusing on getting through the next hour, then the hour after that, and so on.
- Some of the different treatment options include therapy and medication.
- At some point, those thoughts of using may have gone away because you were busy exercising, meditating, or doing some other activity so you did not have time to focus on using.
- Once you have identified your fears and the source of your anxiety, you can begin to develop coping mechanisms to deal with it.
Our rehab in our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center offers customized addiction treatment programs based on your specific type of addiction and specific needs. Part of your recovery treatment program will include helping you identify what coping skills and mechanisms will work best for you to help you maintain your new sobriety. Though life without drugs or alcohol can be scary, our community of experienced alumni will ensure that you are not in it alone. One of the main reasons addicts get stuck in their addictions is that they’re afraid. Strong fears can lead you to seek solace in drugs or alcohol, so that you don’t feel the fear anymore (even though it’s still there). When you’re addicted, you’re afraid of recovery because you don’t know how to cope in life without drugs or alcohol.
tips to overcome the fear of being sober
What’s going to happen when you step out of the residential rehab center and into life again? You may no longer be in some people’s lives because of your actions. However, another fear is the worry of not belonging anywhere.
- While everyone is prone to fear, overcoming fear in recovery can make all the difference.
- After all, it’s been a long time since you were sober, and maybe your last experiences of sobriety were traumatic.
- This can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by fears and cravings.
- I honestly did not know what people did for fun without being slightly or very drunk.
- With the right support and treatment, people in recovery can overcome their fears and build a healthy, sober life.
Sobriety Fear #1: Never Drinking Again.
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. Being at a party or trying to find the perfect romantic partner without alcohol is the stuff of nightmares for many people. Even people for whom alcohol is not a problem experience this. If you’ve typically required a little social lubricant to lighten up at parties (as many of us have), navigating social scenes without liquid courage can be scary.
Treatment is often a collaborative journey, and you should feel comfortable asking questions, communicating openly, and giving honest feedback on your progress. These people can remind you of everything you’ve worked hard for and provide motivation to keep going. They can give you a fresh perspective, especially when you’re feeling bogged down by the difficulties of your recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly beneficial in managing anxiety while also prioritizing recovery. It can teach people skills to reframe anxious thoughts, challenge negative behaviors, and replace substance use with healthier coping mechanisms. People with co-occurring mental health conditions are even more likely to develop an addiction.
CARF ® accreditation demonstrates a program’s commitment to the highest quality treatment methods. It’s often a complex combination of these and even underlying health conditions that can contribute to anxiety. A consistent, structured routine can offer stability and a sense of control, which can protect against these triggers. We also encourage you to reach out to your therapist, support group, or loved ones—especially when you feel anxiety attacks coming on. Such fear is nothing to be ashamed of because it is natural. Our brains are hard-wired to become uncomfortable in the face of the unknown.
This is particularly true for the introverted among us. You have to do what is best for you, and you can’t let your anxiety about a sober future prevent you from doing what you need to do. Navigating your existing relationships in sobriety is a huge challenge. The good thing is that you don’t have to worry about that in the beginning.
When you stop using drugs or alcohol, you will experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. This can include physical withdrawal symptoms (e.g. aches and pains) and psychological withdrawals (e.g. strong cravings). Many addicts worry that withdrawals will be too painful to cope with.
During this process, you’ll also practice relaxation techniques to help calm your body when your fear response kicks in. 💙 Awaken your potential by exploring the world around you and developing interests outside of substances by Saying Yes to Life.
