2020 has been a difficult year to say the least. This is particularly true for those living with an addiction:
- The University of Michigan’s Addiction Center stated that stress and social isolation related to COVID-19 can increase susceptibility to substance misuse, addiction, and relapse.
- A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people with substance use disorders are more susceptible to COVID-19.
- A study from the Addiction Policy Forum found that 20 percent of people reported that their or a family member’s substance use had increased since the start of the pandemic.
Is this a challenge that you or a loved one are experiencing? As we prepare for the New Year, we wanted to share with you some of the key benefits of sobriety, in the hopes that individuals struggling with addiction or substance abuse seek the help they need and deserve.
Stronger relationships and family life
One of the greatest benefits of sobriety is the gift of being present – mentally and emotionally – which is critical in order to have healthy relationships with our partner, friends, family, and children. Eliminating the distractions associated with substance abuse and addiction allow you to focus on the people you hold dear, and potentially mend relationships that may have suffered at the height of your addiction.
Improved physical health
Substance abuse takes a tremendous toll on our brains and bodies. Getting sober will:
- improve your sleep and memory
- lower your blood pressure
- decrease your risk of long-term health complications
- improve weight-management
- increase your energy levels
Improved mental health/peace of mind
Addiction is exhausting. When you eliminate substances from your life, you gain a renewed sense of mental clarity, perspective, relief, and freedom. You will no longer feel shackled by the negative consequences of your misuse and the anxiety it creates (no more moral hangovers). A key benefit of sobriety is that it will help you return to yourself, and find healthy coping mechanisms to manage life’s challenges.
The Journal of Dual Diagnoses found that “Quitting the use of substances was important to initiating and continuing mental health recovery processes.”
Improved financial health
The mental clarity you’ll experience is another one of the many benefits of sobriety that will improve your work performance, help you maintain a job, and thus keep a steady source of income. And, without a large portion of your paycheck going toward drugs or alcohol, you can pay bills on time, invest in healthier activities, and save money to ensure a stable future. If you commit to your sobriety, things that previously seemed unattainable will be within your reach.
Renewed focus on healthy passions
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “There aren’t enough hours in the day.” While this may hold true in some scenarios, what you’ll discover in sobriety is the gift of time. It’s shocking when you realize just how much time you invest in your addiction. When you eliminate substances, you have more time to commit passions and hobbies that you lost sight of when using.
Greater control over your life
Life that revolves around substance abuse is unsustainable. When you get sober, life slows down, you relearn the tools and methods to navigate life without the influence of substances, and you regain control of your own destiny. You’re no longer just along for the ride; instead, you’re in the driver’s seat. You will be able to set and achieve goals – which will help raise your self-esteem and motivation – and put your energy back into the things you really care about, like your friends, family, work, passions, and hobbies.
Is it time for you or a loved one to seek addiction treatment?
With the holiday season now upon us, we’ve found that many individuals avoid treatment. If you or a loved one are feeling hesitant, check out our recent post: Recovery During the Holidays: Why Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation is the Greatest Gift
You can also give us a call and we’ll help you assess your level of need, and talk to you about your options. Even if Crest View is not the right fit for you, we’re here to help you find a treatment center that is.
