What Are You So Afraid of? Conquering Fears of Getting Sober

For anyone who has lived in the throes of addiction, it’s no secret that the idea of getting sober can be downright terrifying at times. The drastic lifestyle change that comes with achieving sobriety invokes much fear of the unknown. We want to make it known that no matter what changes you will experience, sobriety is ALWAYS worth it. We also want you to know that having fears is completely normal – and oftentimes not worth stressing over.

We’d like to cover some common fears of attaining sobriety, as well as the best ways to overcome them.

FEAR #1: Fear of Failure in Recovery

What if I can’t do it? What if I’m not strong enough? How can I even look in the mirror if I fail? These are all very normal questions to obsess over when contemplating entering drug addiction treatment. It is important to remember, however, that achieving sobriety is not as simple as flipping a switch, or as black and white as “succeed” or “fail.” Breaking the chains of addiction is a process that is full of many triumphs and setbacks before landing on a whole new lifestyle. Often, it’s a series of “falling seven times and getting up eight.”

FEAR #2: Fear of Losing a Coping Mechanism

In many cases, an individual started using drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with stress or numbing the pain of past traumas. When giving up the substance abuse, it can feel like giving up a source of comfort. This mentality is a lot like “I don’t want to leave an abusive partner because I’m scared of being single.” It’s always better to walk away from something harmful than to be overcome by it. At Choice House, we focus on replacing the false sense of security provided by drugs and alcohol with actual, healthy coping mechanisms – such as outdoor therapy, art therapy, yoga, and more.

FEAR #3: Fear of Being Boring

This fear is remarkably common among those seeking sobriety, and it is often due to a delusional perception of who they are when on drugs. An individual on drugs tends to think of themselves as the “life of the party” and “everyone’s favorite wild time.” Truthfully speaking, though, these images weren’t accurate to begin with. The people who truly care about you find your worth in simply your existence. Furthermore, life will become so much more interesting once you have the clarity to redefine your passions, set goals, see the fruits of your labor, and build authentic, sober relationships.

FEAR #4: Fear of Losing Friends

We’ll be honest with you: Yes, this will likely happen. Don’t panic, though – this will ultimately be a positive thing. The perceived “friends” who encouraged you to make unhealthy life choices were probably not all that interested in your overall wellbeing. They most likely wanted a buddy to drink with or use drugs with so that they did not feel alone. The friendships you will develop during our addiction recovery programs – and the sober relationships you will form following drug treatment – will be genuine, healthy and lifelong.

The smallest joy you will attain in sober life will be a thousand times more satisfying than the comforts you are afraid of losing in addicted life. Sobriety is always worth it, and our team is here to walk by your side every step of the way. Get in touch today: 720-577-4422 or hello@choicehouse.com.