What comes to mind when you think of someone who is ‘clean and sober?’ You are correct if you think of someone who no longer uses drugs or alcohol. What about the expressions ‘living in sobriety’ or ‘recovery?’ What does this imply to you? There’s a difference between being clean and sober, but what exactly do they mean?
The Difference Between Clean and Sober
A person’s recovery can be challenging to manage, and that’s why doctors advise patients to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to do whatever is required. The potential of recovery lies in sticking to a program that works for you. Sobriety and participation in a program teach you how to celebrate and feel good without using substances, enabling you to deal with a bad day and emerge a better person.
Furthermore, abstinence from substances can teach you to love yourself and others. Not drinking or using drugs may also teach you to apologize when you offend others, to set better boundaries, and to be a better person in general. Staying clean and sober is as much about mindset as it is about how much someone uses or does not use novice substances.
How Does Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol Happen?
As you can see, there is a huge difference between being clean and being sober. Sobriety is a journey that begins when we decide we can no longer live the life of an addict and ends when we are no longer a part of society. It does not happen overnight, nor is it simple. It isn’t even effortless; however, it is doable.
Millions of people have gotten sober in the past, and millions more will in the future if we stick with the process until completed. However, if we lose sight of our goals or fail to keep striving for them, we will soon find ourselves on the slippery slope of addict reasoning that leads to that first drink or drug. Unfortunately, it is usually a one-way slide.
How Treatment can Help You Remain Clean and Sober for the Long-Term
Treatment is frequently the first step toward recovery. Unfortunately, most people believe that a treatment center only focuses on helping people quit using drugs and alcohol, but this is only part of the picture. Drugs and alcohol, you see, are only a part of the problem; the misconception that once you remove the substances from your body, everything will be fine is also an issue.
Although things will undoubtedly improve once a person discontinues use, many things will remain the same. That is why there is a strong emphasis in treatment on behavior patterns, false beliefs, improving low self-esteem, and acquiring coping skills so that you can get through life without resorting to substances or unhealthy behaviors to cope. Treatment is also where you will discover the importance of a support group. These are the people who will help you in your recovery.
How to Make Being Clean and Sober Easy
Sobriety does not happen by forcing yourself to be alone. Instead, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, helping others, and pursuing your dreams are a few of the best ways to live a life of recovery rather than just abstinence.
Surround Yourself With Sober People
Having clean and sober mates who are also persevering in a sober lifestyle means having support for your way of life. It can be challenging to do this if you surround yourself with people who do not understand what you are trying to accomplish and are not clean and sober themselves.
Volunteer
Working a program and maintaining sobriety can be easier when you find ways to help others. This could happen as part of a program, through sponsorship, or helping newcomers in a peer support group. Volunteering at a local food bank or shelter could also be an option. According to studies, people who do volunteer work are more satisfied with their lives; volunteering also boosts self-esteem and confidence, which helps tremendously when recovering from substance abuse.
Pursue Your Hobbies and Dreams While Being Clean and Sober
Every day, make an effort to consider your current situation as the start of the best days. The rugged and rocky beginning of what could be the most fruitful arch of your life. Take up new hobbies or dive headfirst into school or the job market with the intent of setting and achieving new goals, whether academic or career-related. Pursue your dreams. Doing art on the side can be a profitable use of your time. In addition, spending time at the gym and setting new personal weight-lifting records can be beneficial. Overall, find something that challenges you while also providing strain relief and self-satisfaction.
Let Go of Bottled Emotions
Your recovery from addiction entails more than just quitting substances; it also entails confronting traumas, mending broken bridges, healing old wounds, and overcoming old hatchets. Don’t be afraid to dig deep, release feelings that you’ve bottled up for years, and unload until you don’t feel that overbearing weight pressing down on your chest anymore.
Life in Sobriety with MD Home Detox
MD Home Detox can assist you if you struggle with addiction and want to live a better life. Our program provides comprehensive treatment services and cutting-edge therapies. Our goal is to help you overcome addiction from the comfort of your home and thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Call 1 (888) 592-7931 today for more information on MD Home Detox and what we offer.