Most people are intimidated the first time they attend an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. After all, fears about getting clean and sober are common. People fear failure, fear of relapsing, and even fear of facing their worse internal enemies. However, more newcomers quickly understand these fears are irrational.
It’s common for those looking to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction to be scared about getting clean and sober. Addiction treatment can be intimidating for most people. Staying sober and finally addressing a drinking problem or drug addiction is a long-term process that has many ups and downs. But, no matter what, the result is always more satisfactory than letting your family members and, most importantly, yourself down. Here’s the truth behind five common fears about recovering.
1. “I Won’t be Able to Drink at My Wedding.”
Those struggling with a drinking problem can have this concern, that’s a valid one. However, you must focus your attention on the bigger picture. After everything you’ve been through, having a drink at your wedding should be the least of your concerns. As you already know, drinking wasn’t part of your everyday life; since you weren’t doing it for the casual drink anymore, it was more important to feed your addiction.
Staying sober is part of your process of recovery. At your wedding, you’ll probably want to avoid any triggers anyways, after all, it’s a stressful day. Today, you can have a sober wedding filled with delicious non-alcoholic beverages everyone in your family will enjoy.
2. “I Will Have to Go to an AA Meeting For the Rest of My Life.”
Most AA members follow the “90-in-90” rule when staying sober, which means you’re committing to 90 meetings over 90 days. However, depending on your needs, you can extend these terms until you feel comfortable with your sobriety. The first year of addiction recovery includes a lot of adjustments. It takes time to find what’s best for you. Remember that AA meetings are a tool that you can use to maintain sobriety as you need, there’s no obligation to attend them. The decision is in your hands.
3. “I Won’t Have Fun.”
Most recovering addicts find a new definition for fun. Struggling with addiction means you don’t remember most of the things you’ve done. Through sobriety, you’ll get to know yourself and those around you better. Please take this opportunity to find your passion, to experience it, and to live your life to its fullest.
4. “I Will Never Meet a Romantic Partner.”
A bar isn’t the only place to meet someone. Nowadays, there are dating apps designed specifically for sober people, just like you. Through your new hobbies, job, and friends, you’ll meet the right person to walk by your side. Remember, even non-sober individuals will accept your past and will be thrilled to meet and spend time with you. It’s important to practice self-love during recovery to help you find the right life partner. After all, you can’t expect others to love you if you can’t love yourself first.
5. “I Will Fear Alcohol for the Rest of My Life.”
False. Initially, there’s no doubt you’ll have relapsing fears. However, as you walk through the path of recovery, your worries will dissipate. Soon being clean and sober will be part of who you are and your routine. We promise you’ll be able to reach the point that you’ll enjoy spending time with non-sober friends and don’t feel the need to get a drink or feel guilty about not drinking.
Overcoming Fear in Early Recovery
Addiction treatment is a true blessing. Each tool is there to help you regain a sense of interconnectedness and purpose. The goal of these programs is to help you get your life back on track. Remember, you’ll have a great support system by your side every step of the way. If you’re still worried about how to recover from alcoholism, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide you with guidance on what to expect, how it works, and more.
