Have you wondered what life would be like if you were sober? The decision to find out is a step towards a healthier, richer life.
Your family, friends, or society don’t define sobriety. You define it, and the answer depends on what you want from life. Sobriety is a reason to live your life the way you want. You can follow your dreams, help others, and discover yourself.
Changing Your Life One Step at a Time
Substance use disorder (SUD) negatively impacts your life. Relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers suffer because of unhealthy behaviors and choices. The decision to stop using substances does come with benefits, but recovering from SUD and beginning a new chapter in your life is challenging. There are essential steps you must take before you start your recovery journey. These steps include:
- Reach out for help: The first step is admitting to yourself that you need help with your SUD. The admissions team at Renaissance Ranch is available when you need them. They will treat you with compassion and respect. We’re here for you, whether it’s your first time or if you’ve relapsed.
- Treatment: You may begin your treatment by being admitted to detox. Detox is a vital part of changing your life. The side effects of alcohol and drug withdrawal require medical supervision. Once you have finished detoxing, you will feel better both mentally and physically.
These changes may not always be immediate. However, the benefits of quitting the use of substances can be worth it. You can decrease your physical and mental health risks and have the life you envision. Sobriety can change your life in ways you may be surprised.
Mental Health
People with SUD can also have a mental health disorder like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. The link between SUD and a mental health disorder isn’t fully understood, but many self-medicate to cope with mental health disorders.
You might self-medicate even though you know the health risks connected with substance use. You’re not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 9.2 million adults have SUD and a mental health disorder. At Renaissance Ranch, our therapists are trained to treat SUD and mental health disorders.
Emotional stability is often linked with long-term recovery. Sobriety can increase your ability to monitor and control your emotions. You live in the present and practice the coping skills you learned during treatment. Additionally, when you address your emotions, you increase your chances of embracing them without substances.
Emotional sobriety is an essential part of 12-Step programs and therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Physical Health
Physical health is as important as emotional health because one affects the other. Physical stability can significantly impact your life, as it enhances your motivation to participate in sports and community activities. Consider how you feel when you’re happy, achieving your goals, and physically fit. Once you start participating in physical activities, you can build strong bonds with others, enhance your overall well-being, and reduce health risks. Some examples of healthy benefits of sobriety include:
- Stabilizing weight: You can lose weight when you stop drinking or using certain substances. For example, opiates can slow your metabolism and decrease your energy levels. Alcohol can increase your weight because it’s high in calories and can lead to unhealthy food choices.
- Reduced risk of chronic health issues: Substances harm your body. Your organs, like the liver, heart, and pancreas, are harmed by alcohol or other substances. This harm increases your chances of a heart attack, cancer, and gastric issues.
- Immune system boosted: Once you stop using substances, your immune system can recover and fight off illnesses and infections.
Your body can heal through proper nutrition, sleep, and physical activity.
Relationships
Substance use affects how you treat yourself and others. Addiction and substance use often lead to
- Poor communication
- Misunderstandings
- Personality changes
- Isolation
Those who love you may not understand these changes.
Sobriety gives you the chance to repair relationships. Healthy relationships improve your quality of life and allow your loved ones to learn about SUD. They can participate in family therapy and find ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively. Family therapy is also a place to develop a strong support system.
Appearance
You will look better once you stop using substances. Substances stress your body and skin. Substances, including alcohol, have harmful chemicals that undermine the health of your skin cells. The result of harming your skin cells is dull and unhealthy skin. Eliminating substances from your system makes healthier choices, such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and good hygiene, easier.
Time
Your time is precious. Take a moment to consider how much time you spent in the cycle of addiction. Sobriety gives you the time to spend with others, become involved in groups, and focus on activities and hobbies.
Control Over Your Behavior
Sobriety means you don’t have to say you’re sorry for doing something while under the influence of a substance. You won’t experience feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment. You can go out with others and not worry about what might happen.
Financial Stability
Think about how much money you spent while you were using substances. That money can now be put towards healthy activities or interests. You can take a vacation, get a massage, or buy a mountain bike.
Self-Awareness
To achieve sobriety, you went through individual and group therapy. You learned about your addiction. You have discovered the underlying causes that led to your SUD. You experienced personal growth.
Quality of Life
Being sober means you can be who you want to be. You can build your life and be there for your family.
Community Involvement
There are several benefits to being involved in your community or a support group. Community involvement gives you a sense of belonging and purpose, as well as people who support your recovery.
Sobriety is a lifestyle. You take back control over your mental and physical health. As you progress in your recovery, you’ll experience the benefits that recovery brings to your life. You can use the skills you learned in treatment to face your triggers, monitor your well-being, and discover your worth. Recovery and sobriety are a chance to build relationships, try new things, and discover people who want to see you succeed. At Renaissance Ranch, you will recognize your strengths and abilities. Our therapists will guide you through treatment and be here for you even after you leave us. We believe in you. To learn more about our programs, call (801) 308-8898.