One of the scariest parts about becoming sober is all of the changes that come along with the lifestyle. Facing the unknown is always a bit intimidating, and when you cut alcohol out of your life, there are many unknown factors. Maybe you’re worried about how you’ll spend your time, who you’ll spend it with, or what you will now do for enjoyment. All of these are valid concerns, and the truth is that your life will look drastically different than it did while you were drinking. However, “different” doesn’t automatically mean “bad”. Here are some of the positive changes you’re likely to experience when you decide to live a sober life:
Your physical health will likely improve
It’s no secret that drinking in excess can cause great damage to the kidneys, liver, intestines, and other vital organs. Alcohol has short-term effects on physical health as well. Drinking heavily for a few years can lead to weight gain, and also affect your complexion, causing breakouts or jaundice. When you quit drinking, you have the ability to reverse these short-term effects.
You will have free time to pursue your passions
Drinking excessively takes up a lot of time. Sometimes it even takes up all of your free time, to the point that you have no idea what to do with yourself when you stop drinking. For many people, free time is one of the most triggering and daunting aspects of sobriety, but it doesn’t have to be. Just spend some time thinking about what you like to do or what you’d like to learn, and then make it happen. As time passes, free time will become less scary and more fun to engage in.
Your self-esteem will improve
This may be the biggest change of all! Many people drink heavily in order to escape some part of who they are, whether it’s anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, etc. Drinking to escape these things creates a horrible cycle, and often makes them worse than they were to begin with. When you stop drinking, you are forced to face any underlying issues. This isn’t a walk in the park, but in the end you end up with a better understanding of yourself and will likely be more comfortable with the person you are. As time passes, you’ll probably even find that you’re proud of yourself and your achievements.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
