If you can find a friend to walk with, even better! Getting outside connects us to nature and can make us feel alive. Know your triggers ahead of time, and plan for them by having an exit strategy or, as some in recovery call it, a Plan B — Plan to Be Sober. Incorporating structure can be simple, such as rising at a certain time daily and making your bed. Or it can be more elaborate if you thrive on structure, with time blocked off for self-care or activities to ensure boredom doesn’t sneak in and cause you to have cravings.

• Understanding the changes in brain chemistry caused by substance use disorder can help motivate individuals to take steps to maintain their sobriety.
• I don’t think it’s change that you’re so afraid of.
• Recognize that it’s perfectly normal to have concerns about sobriety in social situations, but also remember that these fears can be conquered.
• Overcoming the fear of being sober in social settings is a courageous and empowering journey.
• When we aren’t sober, we can use that as an excuse to avoid those problems.

How to get past your fear of sobriety

• It is time to manage your fears and put them into perspective so you can move on, get the support you need without fear holding you back.
• It can be scary to confront ourselves and our dreams, and putting them off or procrastinating on them is a way to avoid putting the work in or fear of failure.
• This might include providing strategies to manage fears related to sobriety and sensitively addressing underlying issues.

Another effective boundary recovery tool is writing letters to those you need to set boundaries with because they remain in your life. The key to that tool being successful is writing from a place of grace while holding back any hint of disdain or antagonization. I’ve been seeing my therapist in person, but I’ve heard great things about virtual therapy. There are different drug classifications for antidepressants. All of the medications my doctor tried were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Overcoming the Fear of Always Being Sober

• By its very nature, substance use disorder is referred to as a relapsing condition.
• As a survivor of childhood and adult trauma, I believe in this truth.
• The people you surround yourself with and reach out to can be an incredible support to you during this journey and the opportunities for new friendships and new fun is limitless.
• Every cell in your body might not know this, but a strong piece of you that is battling for airtime in your brain knows it.

Many times, social events and outings center around drinking alcohol. The fog lifts, the poor behavior stops, and people generally become happier and easier to be around. The mind clears, there is more peace, more clarity and a better ability to function. All of which are just some of the many reasons why being sober far outweighs being addicted to drugs or alcohol. Finally, even in moments of fear, learn to laugh whenever you can, as often as you can. When you find yourself in the midst of your own anxiety, it can be overwhelming and all-consuming.

Sobriety Fear #4: You’ll actually succeed.

Think about the people in your life who positively influence you and your sobriety goals. Make a list of loved ones and others who stood by your side when you struggled. Connect with them by phone, in person, or on social media. Sometimes a reassuring word from someone you trust and respect is all it takes to keep you on track. Think about other activities that bring you calm, and leave you feeling energized.

Furthermore, every drug addict I’ve fear of being sober met has trauma stories. So my life experiences validate this understanding. Working towards a goal helps to break it down into smaller pieces to make it feel more attainable.

Job loss anxiety: How to handle the stress of losing your job

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers treatment centers across the United States. Equipped with accredited staff, our rehabs practice evidence-based treatment strategies and provide healing for a host of substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. To alleviate your fears about admissions, treatment, insurance coverage, and more, talk to an AAC admissions navigator today. A journey can begin with community mutual-help groups, inpatient treatment, residential rehab, outpatient programs, and more.

While walking is a great way to get moving, adding other forms of exercise is great for those in recovery. Exercise has health benefits for everyone, but people recovering from addiction can benefit. Exercise increases endorphins and can help you avoid relapse. Getting ahead of stress by implementing healthy stress management techniques is key to staying on track with your sobriety. Creating structure in your daily life helps you stay on your plan daily.