Giving up drugs and alcohol may seem like a small feat for the average person. But, if you are someone who struggles with addiction, you know just how difficult it is.

Sometimes, you may tell yourself that is it easier to continue down the path you are on. Or, maybe you have even convinced yourself that getting sober isn’t worth the struggle. These thoughts could not be further from the truth.

When the day comes and you do change your life for the better, you will see just how amazing life can be without drugs and alcohol.

If you don’t believe us, here’s a sneak peek into how your life could be different.

1.    You Will Feel Better About Yourself

There’s no doubt about. When you give up abusing drugs and alcohol, you will inherently begin feeling better about yourself.

Drug addiction and alcoholism causes a person to do things and behave in a way that you otherwise would not. Whether it is lying to your friends, letting your family down, or possibly even committing crimes to obtain more drugs, these are all things that you aren’t necessarily proud of.

Recovery will give you the opportunity to right your wrongs and make amends, as well as change your past behaviors. When you do this, you will build on your self-esteem. In the end, you will be able to look yourself in the mirror again.

2.    Your Physical Health Will Improve

Drugs and alcohol can cause an array of physical health problems for you. While they vary depending on the substance and your history of abuse, some health consequences can include:

• Dental issues
• Cardiovascular problems
• Organ damage, such as to the liver or kidneys
• Blood infections
• Infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis
• Increased blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Depression & Anxiety

Please do not be discouraged by this list. Many health issues are treated, and some reversible, when caught in time. Getting sober will only increase your chances of getting back to good health.

Additionally, by simply putting down the drink or drug, you will begin to feel better on daily basis. Think about it. No more hangovers; no more feeling “dope sick”. No more wondering how you are going to get through the day, go to work, or play with your kids. Simple everyday events will be enjoyable again, because you will feel better.

3.    Relationships Will Improve

As stated earlier, when you get sober, you will begin to right your wrongs. This can include the damage caused to relationships in your life. Maybe it is your spouse, your children, your parents, or your friends. Those closest to you were surely there to witness the chaos your addiction created, and most certainly felt the effects in one way or another.

When you enter into recovery and begin changing your life for the better, your loved ones will begin to notice that change. They will be interested in being a part of your life again. Nevertheless, this does not happen overnight, or without work on your part.

Over time, and under the advisement of your sponsor, you will make amends to these individuals for the pain you may have caused them. And, by staying sober, you will continue to prove that you are a changed person.

4.    Build New Relationships

In recovery, you have the opportunity to meet new people, and the best part is that those people are just like you. In the fellowships of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, you will find that everyone is, or has gone through the same things you are feeling right now. These people will become your best resource for lasting sobriety.

Giving up drugs and alcohol can mean that you have to give up relationships that aren’t safe for your sobriety. When doing so, it can seem very lonely at times. That is why it is important to take advantage of the opportunity before you.

Introduce yourself to new people at meetings or other sober gatherings; see if anyone wants to grab a bite to eat or some coffee; when functions are taking place, such as picnics or dances, be sure to go. You will find that these individuals are not only essential in your everyday life, but many of them could become your closest friends.

5.    You Can Pursue Your Dreams

When you abuse drugs and alcohol, all of your life’s ambitions go out the window. Maybe you told yourself that “you’ll do it tomorrow,” but then tomorrow never comes. Or, maybe at one point you did achieve great success, but lost it due to your addiction.

No matter the scenario, addiction robs you of your dreams and ambitions. Nothing seems as important as it once did. In sobriety, you have the chance of rebuilding your life and chasing after those dreams once more. You have the opportunity to go back to school and finish your degree. You can go after that job you’ve always wanted. You can buy a house and start a family. You can travel the world.

In recovery, all is possible.

6.    You Will Save Money

While it may seem miniscule compared to all of the other great things recovery promises you, you will definitely be able to save money.

Drugs and alcohol cost us so much, our family, our jobs, and our health. They also cost us in the literal sense. You’ve probably told yourself before that this time will be different. You’ll only spend a certain amount of money, but before you know it, you’re dipping into your savings or even spending your rent money to get your next fix.

Additionally, along with the actual cost of drugs and alcohol, the lifestyle of addiction can become expensive. From court costs and fines, to possibly racking up credit card debit with cash advances, you easily find yourself in a financial hole.

In sobriety, you don’t have to worry about those things. You can dig your way out of financial ruin and finally put your money to good use. You’ll be able to pay your rent and other bills. Over time, you’ll be able to save again, and indulge a little. Go on that vacation or buy that big ticket item you’ve always wanted.

7.    Have Fun

Addicts and alcoholics are hesitant to get sober for many reasons. One popular reason is the misconception that recovery is boring. “How will I ever have fun without drugs and alcohol?” Sound familiar?

The stereotype that sober people just sit in church basements and drink bad coffee, is just that…a stereotype. Recovery is so much more than what you think it is. Yes, you will have to work hard and dedicate yourself to the process, if you want to find happiness.

Nevertheless, with that hard work, comes the opportunity to meet new people and experience things you never thought possible. As we discussed earlier, you will have the chance to establish friendships with other sober people, and with those connections, comes a lot of fun.

Maybe you’ll get to experience your first concert sober, or get to go to sporting events with your new friends. Maybe you’ll find yourself on a sober camping trip or beach vacation. Maybe you’ll go skydiving for the first time. The point is, when you put down the drugs and alcohol, you can do anything you want. Eventually you’ll realize that you would have never had those opportunities when you were drunk or high.

8.    You’ll Find Freedom

Addiction is a disease that most do not understand. The average person believes that an addict or alcoholic chooses to be that way. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

No one chooses to destroy their lives, or the lives of those they love. It is something that slowly happens over time, as the disease progresses. Before the addict even knows it, they are trapped…literally.

After years of abuse, drugs and alcohol change a person’s brain chemistry, causing the person to no longer have a choice. Although they may want to stop, and know what they are doing is wrong, they are unable to. Their addiction has completely taken them hostage.

If this sounds like your story, you should know that there is hope…there is a way out.

In recovery, you begin to experience a new freedom and a new happiness. Things that once seemed impossible, will become your reality. No longer will you be a slave to your drug of choice; no longer will that substance dictate your life. You can do anything, and be anything you want.

Most importantly, you will be able to breathe again. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions will stop haunting you. Rather than feeling shame, guilt, or remorse, you will be proud of the person you are, and what you stand for. At night, you will be able to lay your head on your pillow knowing you are the best possible version of yourself.

Getting Help At Clearbrook

If you or someone you know and love is currently struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, we can help.

With 45 years of experience in treating chemical dependency, Clearbrook Treatment Centers can provide you with the most effective treatment solutions to set you on the path of recovery.

If you are ready to see what life has to offer when you give up drugs and alcohol, please contact our Admissions Specialists today.

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?

CALL CLEARBROOK TREATMENT CENTERS NOW AT 1-800-582-6241