It’s not uncommon for people to avoid getting addiction treatment because they believe many of the myths about being sober, such as not being able to have fun anymore or that using other substances won’t cause a problem. Remember: your health is valuable, and knowing the truth should be the guiding factor in choosing sobriety. Let’s take a closer look.
#1. I Won’t Know How to Cope Without Substances
Unfortunately, many people develop alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) because they’re trying to deal with mental health conditions, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, complicated grief, systemic discrimination, or just general stressors in life.
Mental Health America (MHA) advocates for various forms of therapy to not only get to the root cause of substance misuse but also shine a light on better techniques for managing different factors of the past and present. “Therapy should explore underlying thoughts and motivations for addictive behaviors and include building self-efficacy and coping with stress,” the organization states. Keep in mind that not all forms of therapy are helpful for every person: stay open-minded and allow yourself to explore different options until you feel comfortable, supported, and progressive in healing.
If you suspect there might be a deeper issue standing in the way of your sobriety, MHA offers numerous screening tools to help you gain a better understanding and access resources to reinforce your new life journey.
#2. I Won’t Have Fun if I’m Sober
Who doesn’t want to be the life of the party? However, this attitude might come with a cost for people in recovery. If social anxiety, ego, or fear of missing out contributed to addictive behavior, it’s critical to reframe your perspective on how sober people have fun.
There are many aspects of life full of adventure and discovery. From sober bars and sober group travel to sober fitness and other activities, you have the choice to pursue numerous interests and create an enriching yet balanced form of play for yourself.
#3. I’ll Lose All My Friends
Well, honestly, if they’re not supporting your health journey or make it challenging to avoid cravings and triggers, you might be better off choosing new ones.
Most addiction rehabilitation centers, like Fair Oaks Recovery, have robust alumni programs that help you form more meaningful relationships with other people who not only know exactly what you’ve experienced, but also assist in your efforts to maintain forward momentum. Here are some other ways alumni connections are beneficial.
You’ll also gain a tremendous network of like-minded individuals through different mutual aid support groups. In addition to 12-Step programs and SMART Recovery, expand your sobriety circle to include other in-person and online peer support options such as:
- Celebrate Recovery
- Gay and Sober
- Loosid App
- Men’s Group
- Recovery Dharma BIPOC
- Sober Black Girls Club
- Sober Mom Squad
- The Luckiest Club
- Women for Sobriety
- Wounded Warrior Project Peer Support
- Young People in Recovery
#4. I Won’t Be Able to be Around Alcohol
Another common myth about being sober is that you won’t be able to go to special events, parties, bars, and gatherings where alcohol is served. This may be partially true for a short period of time—most likely in early recovery, as socializing in these environments could be challenging for some people and bring up a lot of triggers that potentially lead to relapse.
Fortunately, as you continue to progress, you’ll have more confidence and commitment to maintain your sobriety intention.
#5. I Can Still Use Other Substances
Unfortunately, no. Yale Medicine notes that “when a person develops an addiction to a substance, it’s because the brain has started to change. This happens because addictive substances trigger an outsized response when they reach the brain.” What’s more, “instead of a simple, pleasurable surge of dopamine, many drugs of abuse—such as opioids, cocaine, or nicotine—cause dopamine to flood the reward pathway, 10 times more than a natural reward.”
While you may have experienced successful detoxification from alcohol or a particular drug, misuse of other substances will prompt the exact same brain response. If you have a genetic predisposition to addiction (40-60 percent of people do) or are still trying to resolve the underlying factors contributing to addictive behavior, you’re at greater risk for relapse by using other substances.
You’re Not Alone With Help From Fair Oaks
Learning to live substance-free takes time and dedication, but the rewards of completing addiction treatment and building a foundation of recovery allow you to discover more of what life has to offer—on your terms. Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, specializes in an evidence-based approach to addiction rehabilitation that allows each individual to realize their true potential. Learn more about how we can help you.
