My First Year Sober What it Was Like and What I Learned
Overconfidence is dangerous, because you can take your focus off of your recovery, and you’ll be more likely to relapse. Around 2 months in is when I started to notice my brain recalibrating a bit. Other things were making me happy again. I remember I was on a run at 8 am (which never would have happened while I was drinking) and I stopped to look around. I noticed the birds chirping, the kids playing, the heat on my skin, and the bright blue sky. I remember tearing up because I felt fully present to life around me.
“I mostly feel very shocked that I received this award. I mostly just feel very thankful and very blessed to be where I am today and I’m very thankful for all the people who have helped me along the way. My hope now is just that there are people out there who can hear my story and see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if they are in a bad place and need to get some help,” Kirk said. And like, that’s so positive and also 100%.
What Are the Benefits of Being Sober for One Year?
It can also help individuals experience success at their workplace or school. Many addiction treatment centers offer alumni programs. These programs provide structure for center graduates and allow them to connect with others who have completed treatment but still need a healthy social circle. Alumni programs provide participants with group therapy sessions where they can discuss the challenges they are facing post-rehab and what they can do to overcome these obstacles. It also provides addicts with a way to experience sober fun.
Achieving sobriety does wonders for one’s overall health. Physically, many experience significant weight loss. This isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s a reflection of healthier choices and enhanced energy levels. No longer burdened by toxins, the body thrives, allowing you to feel more vibrant and alive.
GateHouse Treatment Treatment for Drug Addiction
Didn’t she just spend this entire post talking about alcohol? When I first got sober, I thought alcohol was the only problem. I thought once I removed alcohol, everything would fall into place. And when I do think about it, I am able to identify why and address that root issue to eliminate the craving. I don’t need or want alcohol to do anything, including going to parties or bars. In fact, I enjoy going out a whole lot more now because I am in control, remember everything, and always act in alignment with who I am.
Furthermore, let’s not overlook the financial benefits. Without the constant drain of buying alcohol, savings accumulate. Investing in sobriety often leads to broader career opportunities and the newfound clarity and dedication can make you a more attractive candidate in many professional arenas.
What should you expect to feel and experience in your first year of sobriety?
And I was like, that’s not sobriety. That is withdrawal, and early sobriety that you’ve never allowed yourself to feel what it’s like when your dopamine levels finally reset to what would be sort of your natural cruising level. When you let that irritability and net worth withdrawal, and those cravings of your first two, three weeks go away. So, for a lot of people in this with me, I would try to stop drinking get four days, maybe seven, maybe nine, and then I’d be like, fucking miserable. That’s early sobriety and withdrawal.
- And so, you know, people ask me like, are you going to keep going or you’re going to keep going, and I don’t like to future trip too much.
- I go to therapy every other week, consume a ton of mental health content, and am always in connection with other sober people.
- It wasn’t about sleeping better, although I eventually did — after initially struggling to fall asleep at all.
- Once you’ve gotten through the initial physical withdrawal symptoms, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) are more consistent concerns throughout your first year in recovery.
- This is based on various factors, such as age, length of addiction, and types of substances misused.
- But it was killing me—body, mind, and soul.
Yeah, it’s a list of anchor activities. And also, it gives you something to look forward to, you know, instead of dreading like, Oh, I’m not gonna do this, I’m not gonna do that. It’s like, No, I have this whole https://en.forexpamm.info/sober-sayings-and-sober-quotes/ list of things that I want to do that I’m looking forward to doing. And none of them involve drinking. So it’s really planning, and we have one for the holidays, and had one for the Fourth of July weekend.
First Year Sober: What to Expect in Sobriety
You don’t need to put that pressure on yourself. Like, I just I don’t know, What is a Halfway House? What to Expect in Halfway Housing probably not. I don’t you know, I don’t need to think about that right now.
I was a prisoner to the drink, to my addiction to alcohol. Did I have enough alcohol on hand? On and on it went day after day, week after week, year after year. It’s been one year since I first put down my substance of choice—alcohol—and began the sometimes challenging road of recovery. And while not every day has been good, not every day has been bad either.
One Year Sober: Why I Quit Drinking and How Sobriety Has Changed My Life
I pay attention to my nervous system throughout the day. I go to therapy every other week, consume a ton of mental health content, and am always in connection with other sober people. Most of what I do are wonderful practices for anyone, but I do them because I know that if I am not intentional and consistent about how I care for myself, I am more likely to slip and want an easy crutch. Plus, life feels a heck of a lot better without alcohol. Coming home at midnight from a party, doing my skincare routine, and waking up at 8 am feeling fresh while everyone else is in bed hungover until 11?
Engaging in therapy or support groups can be especially helpful at this time. These resources can provide techniques to help you stay engaged in your sobriety journey. He felt terrible and harbored feelings of resentment.
Get started on the road to recovery
The following tips are all ways you can help yourself reach your goals. The first year sober can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. For some, just the thought of not having to use or drink is liberating, and for others, it’s a prison sentence. Although these new activities are healthy and productive, they can be a stumbling block to lasting recovery if they become a transfer addiction to fill the void left by the original addiction. The secret is to find a healthy balance.
Yeah, that was, that was a big deal. And yeah, it was just much more present for them to and I could remember things I could remember. You know, their kids’ names and what they had done last time we talked and all of it wasn’t just gonna round out with alcohol. And you know, what I love is that so many women who drink a lot are usually like the social Chair of their group of friends, right? You’re the one planning you know, for me like the trip to the wine country with all my friends and their babies. Because Yeah, that’s what you do.