Life, by nature, is filled with challenges. No matter what you accomplish or where you go, there will always be obstacles that test your willpower.
When you’re in active recovery, these challenges can seem even harder to overcome. Even if you’ve been clean and sober for some time, hardships in life can lead you back to a spot where you wonder if you will relapse.
You have the power to stay sober, and the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. There are hundreds of organizations (like SAMHSA) that provide support on your journey to recovery.
And if you just need a little motivation to get through today, here are 10 excellent reasons to stay sober.
1. Heal Relationships
Drug and alcohol addiction can pull you away from the people who mean the most—family and friends. Despite what you may think, it’s never too late to repair these relationships. Staying sober will give you the best chance of healing and building new connections.
2. Save Money
According to a study conducted by Vice, substance addiction can cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $2,250 per month. Just think of the amount you’ll save by staying sober.
3. Be Healthier
Alcohol and drug use is very hard on your physical health. Staying sober will allow your body to recover, which will help you feel better in the long run, both physically and mentally.
4. Accomplish Goals
The idea of the functioning addict is a myth. Even if you continue to go to work, your performance will eventually suffer under the effects of substance abuse. Think of the possibilities you can pursue when you break free from the cycle of addiction—a new career, promotions, good relationships with your coworkers, a stable routine.
5. Build Friendships
When you’re focusing all of your time and energy on your addiction, you don’t have time to meet new people and build rewarding relationships. Staying sober will help you better appreciate all of the wonderful people that surround you.
6. Boost Self-Esteem
When you’re dealing with addiction, it can be hard to look at yourself and see beyond the substance that’s controlling you. You are more than the substance you crave. When you stay sober, you allow more of your authentic self to shine through, which can lead to a greater sense of appreciation for who you are and the things you can accomplish.
7. Be a Role Model
You’re not alone in this life. You have people who look up to you, even if you don’t realize it right now. When you stay sober, you allow yourself to become an inspiration for other people, especially those who are considering becoming clean and sober.
8. Stay Focused
When you’re using or drinking, it’s hard to think about anything besides your addiction. Sober living allows you to focus on responsibilities you need to keep your life in order, like going to school, applying for jobs, paying bills, buying groceries, and more.
9. Pursue Hobbies
Think of how much time you used to spend on your addiction each day. When you’re no longer dependent on a substance, you have so much more free time to focus on fun, creative pursuit like sports, traveling, art, music, and home projects, just to name a few.
10. Be Happier
It’s common to use substances as a way to cope with stress and mental health issues. If you’re struggling with the idea of relapse, it’s probably a sign that it’s time to reach out for help. Call a friend or family member to talk through what you’re going through, or reach out to your doctor or therapist. Although you may feel like avoiding your problems, working through them will ultimately make you stronger and more capable of resisting relapse.
Find Residential Support
If you or someone you care about is struggling to live independently because of a substance use disorder, Options Residential Inc. is here to help. We provide customizable rehabilitative services to help people struggling with addiction learn the skills they need to live independently.
We provide customized living services to Dakota County, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County. Call us today at (952) 564-3030 or fill out our referral form to learn more about our services.
