If you are suffering from alcohol addiction or substance misuse issues, it can be very difficult to overcome. Sobering up in the first place can be a major challenge, but recovery is not a single step  – it is an ongoing process.

Committing to sobriety means making a serious and continuing effort to stay away from drugs and alcohol, breaking the vicious cycle of substance misuse and the harm it can do to yourself and the people around you. It takes a lot of effort and usually requires support from others. It is always a difficult process, but it can be done, and many people successfully begin their recovery journey every year.

What Does Sobriety Mean?

The most basic definition of sobriety is the condition of not having any effects from alcohol or drugs nor a physiological need to consume substances.

There can be times when even a person with an addiction or substance misuse disorder is technically sober. However, in recovery terms, being sober means being consistently sober – and usually abstaining from alcohol or problematic drugs altogether.

The term ‘sobriety’ is most often applied to alcohol use. When speaking of other drugs, people may sometimes refer to getting and staying clean, but sobriety can also apply to any mind-altering drugs.

What Are the Challenges of Committing to Sobriety?

If you are wondering how to commit to sobriety, it’s always best to be aware of the challenges that you are likely to face. These can vary widely depending on your own personal circumstances and factors such as the type of substance involved and the duration and heaviness of use.

For some people, withdrawal symptoms can be a major challenge, especially in the early stages of recovery and sobriety. Cravings may continue for a long time, especially when you experience certain triggers such as stress or being in a situation where other people are drinking or using drugs. Resisting peer or societal pressure can be tough, especially with a socially acceptable drug like alcohol.

Some people experience depression, anxiety and even boredom when they get sober. There can also be psychological and emotional challenges as you view your sober life with clarity, which may include the harm you have done to yourself and loved ones while you were drinking or using drugs.

Knowing What to Expect When Committing to Sobriety

If you have been drinking or using drugs for a long time, you may have developed a dependency, which is when your system adjusts to the presence of the substance.

In the early stages of sobriety, when the substance is removed, you can experience a range of unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These can vary depending on the drug involved and other factors, but alcohol withdrawal symptoms could include:

  • Hand tremors (‘the shakes’)
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia

Some of these may only last for hours or days, while some may be longer-term. More severe withdrawal symptoms are known as delirium tremens and can include hallucinations and seizures. They may even prove fatal if not monitored and treated.

Beyond withdrawal symptoms, you are also likely to experience cravings for a long time, as well as emotional and psychological pressures as you maintain your sobriety.

How Can You Build a Support System for Sobriety?

Having a support system in place is incredibly important when it comes to both achieving and maintaining sobriety. You may be lucky enough to have a partner, friends, family and even colleagues who are supportive. That can be very valuable, but they are unlikely to have the in-depth knowledge or shared experience that you may need at times.

This is why mutual support groups and professional help may also be needed. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can help by connecting you with people on their own recovery journeys. Professional resources like Ocean Recovery Centre use detox treatment and evidence-based techniques to help you achieve sobriety and provide the support you need to maintain it.

What Strategies Can Help Maintain Sobriety?

There are a number of strategies to help maintain sobriety, and what works best for some might not work for others. You could try:

  • Seek professional help or join a support group. This can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to maintain your recovery and provide vital support.
  • Identify your triggers. You may have people, places and situations associated with your prior substance use. It can help to avoid these entirely if you can, especially at first.
  • Set a routine. It’ll help keep you on track, especially if you are living a chaotic lifestyle due to substance misuse.
  • Focus on getting healthy. Improving your physical and mental health through exercise, diet, improved sleep routines, meditation, or mindfulness can all help you maintain your recovery.

How to Stay Motivated on Your Sobriety Journey

It’s not always easy to stay motivated on your sobriety journey. Over time, you may forget the harm you might have experienced or caused during your drinking or drug use, and you may experience temptations, pressures and cravings. Some techniques for staying motivated could include setting personal milestones, rewarding your progress and developing a positive mindset.

As we mentioned earlier, support networks can also provide vital motivation as you move forward, especially when you are dealing with pressures, cravings and temptations.

The Role of Professional Help in Sobriety

Professional organisations like Ocean Recovery can help you to overcome the detox and withdrawal period, as well as provide you with the therapies and treatments you need to address the psychological aspects of addiction and substance misuse. Relapse prevention sessions will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to avoid relapse going forward, and a thorough aftercare programme will provide ongoing support.

If you need help or advice for yourself or a loved one, get in touch with Ocean Recovery today to find out how we can help.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: July 26, 2024

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.