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. The researchers observed that when the sound played over and over without the shock, the mice who were in the no alcohol group eventually stopped being scared of the tone. Getting sober is by far the thing I would identify as the hardest thing I’ve done, and once I did it, I knew I could do anything. Choosing sobriety and sticking with it gives you the confidence to pursue anything.
- When you are facing these challenges and downright fear of recovery, just focus on what is happening right now.
- Seeing a snake, hearing a loud noise or smelling something unusual can trigger the initial response.
- If you’re worried about what other people will think if you become sober, then it’s likely that you’re scared of becoming sober.
The most effective addiction treatment requires compassion, warmth and empathy. And this is the approach that your rehab team will take. Drug addiction specialists will always try to instill your recovery process with optimism and hope. They will help you to build self-confidence and allow you to realize the power you have to maintain sobriety. Remember, an untreated substance addiction will grow. So if you’ve hidden your addiction well up until now, that’s not going to last.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
You’ve kept using to help escape the consequences of those situations. You have to make a decision to move forward by overcoming fear of those https://g-markets.net/sober-living/254-massachusetts-sober-living-homes-transitional/ losses. You may be able to fix some of what’s lost and damaged. Everyone is scared when they start something new, it is normal and natural.
- When you imagine your reservations and fears, remember that they are feelings.
- Keep saying this over and over until you begin to feel better about the feeling.
And it’s a reason you may be resisting the idea of going to rehab. A common misconception of rehab is that by following the rules and going along with the program, you will be abandoning yourself and turning into a mindless drone. You will change in rehab, but only for the better.
Fear of Rejection
It can be even more treacherous when you think about being called an “addict” or “alcoholic” for the rest of your life. But it would be best if you remembered that you could choose who you share your journey with and who you don’t. Only people who are close to you need to know why you decided to stop taking drugs or other substances. When you no longer spend your time getting high or drunk, your life will become the exact opposite of boring. Think about how you always go out with the same people and drink or take drugs at the same place (or one of a few local hot spots). There is more time for new sober activities when you get clean.
- They will provide you with round-the-clock care and supervision, ensuring that your physical and mental health is in good shape.
- I failed more times than I can count before I finally got it right, and I assure you there is nothing special about me that you can’t find within yourself.
- With all of this chaos surrounding you at that moment, you’re just starting to acknowledge what’s happening to you.
- Sometimes people think alcohol use is “heavy” or excessive only when the person consuming alcohol is passing out or becoming aggressive with others.
- In addition to the potential harm that heavy alcohol use has on your physical and mental health, it can also negatively impact your relationships with family and friends.
Every time you (or I) do that, we choose to suffer. 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. Besides, allowing the fear of failure to completely influence big decisions like this is a cop-out. It’s a dysfunctional version of “playing it safe.” You deserve better than that.
You’re Afraid of Not Being Able to Handle Life Without Drugs or Alcohol.
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. You may also doubt your ability to resist the urge to use again. If that’s you, no matter your level of addiction, you should consider doing an inpatient medical detox.
Working with a support group and a sponsor after you leave rehab is a great way to keep your sobriety intact. Additionally, pursue an addiction treatment center that prioritizes relapse prevention. You’ll know you will be taught the tools to prevent a relapse UK construction dives amid housebuilding slump and HS2 pause Construction industry and to deal with one if you do relapse. Another common reason people may be afraid to get sober is that they think life might become “boring” once they’ve quit all their vices. Many times, social events and outings center around drinking alcohol.