A standard treatment approach for phobias includes a variety of potential behavioral therapies. These therapies help to address the underlying fears and beliefs surrounding the phobia. However, the more you know about sobriety, the less scary it will seem. Feeling scared is normal when you’re making fear of being sober such a significant life change. However, it’s important to remember that sobriety is not something to be afraid of.
While some people may dislike the idea of going without their phone for prolonged periods, others experience fear or anxiety about losing connectivity from their mobile phone. This fundamental paradox forms the core of an addicted life, and it can be tough to break through that. When you used drugs and alcohol, you probably worried that once you were clean and sober, you would not have any friends. You might also think that the people you meet will not want to be around you because you do not engage in the same activities they do.
Symptoms
💙 Explore the importance of Embracing Fears and how accepting what you’re afraid of can help you make changes. While removing substances from your routine can seem challenging, taking it step by step may help you regain control and even feel empowered. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s “Terms of Use”, “Privacy Policy”, “Cookie Policy”, and “Health Disclaimer”. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Treatments are currently nonstandard and involve the use of medications, behavioral therapies, support groups, and self-care.
Another common reason people may be afraid to get sober is that they think life might become “boring” once they’ve quit all their vices. 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. Nifaliophobia, or the fear of being sober, manifests as a significant and persistent fear related to the absence of alcohol or drugs from your life.
Once you can figure out that you need help with recovery and what your loved ones can’t provide you, it can be easier to seek out others. Like therapists, peer supporters, and others, who can support you in places your loved ones can’t. Dr. Umhau urges folks not to overlook prescription medications like naltrexone or acamprosate.
What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Alcohol Every Day
Sobriety means having to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves and others and having to stand up and be who we are. We may have to face all kinds of adversities and personal challenges while we come clean. Depending on the severity of your drinking problem and resulting behavior, some bridges may be forever burned. Some people may want nothing to do with you, no matter how much you change. When you do start to deal with your problems in healthier ways (and you will), you are going to feel completely transformed and unstoppable.
Dual Diagnosis 101: How Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use Disorder Often go Hand in Hand
Instead of being afraid that you won’t recognize yourself, look at it as an opportunity. You get to define yourself from here on out, and there won’t be any nifaliophobia regrettable drunk shenanigans doing that on your behalf. Eventually, you will have to decide who to keep in your life and who to let go. That’s not going to be easy, but the alternative is to continue slowly destroying the one life you’re given.
- However, you may not realize that the more you drink, the more stressful things become.
- This may include worries about losing social connections or coping with life’s stresses unaided.
- Develop a daily or weekly routine that includes check-ins with your support network, attendance at support group meetings, and dedicated time for self-care practices.
Quitting Alcohol Timeline: What Happens When You Stop Drinking?
Another benefit of doing these activities sober is that now they will be much more enjoyable. The experience will be much more vivid, and you will be able to remember them more fully. What you once thought of as fun will pale in comparison to a life rich in reality, one that is completely drug and alcohol-free. Thankfully, there have only been a few times when someone at the table hasn’t pointed it out on my behalf and adjusted accordingly. However, when it has happened, I have to speak up to point out that I didn’t drink and I’m not subsidizing their drinking. With this in mind, the prospect of recovering without anxieties isn’t as unlikely as many people think.
It can be even more treacherous when you think about being called an “addict” or “alcoholic” for the rest of your life. But it would be best if you remembered that you could choose who you share your journey with and who you don’t. Only people who are close to you need to know why you decided to stop taking drugs or other substances. The only way to really work through your fear is to sit with the feelings, let them come and notice what happens to your thoughts and the physical sensations in your body. This is probably the most difficult thing to do and it does take time and practice. But it does get easier the more you do it and the stronger you will become.