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Our Guide To The Long Term Benefits Of Sobriety

Written by Nicholas Conn | May 29, 2024 10:56:36 AM

Addiction is a struggle and embracing recovery is a brave step in the right direction. In today's blog, we will look into all of the long-term benefits that sobriety brings you, how you can maintain sobriety and where you can start your journey to sobriety.

Here at Rehubs, we understand that recovery isn't easy, and staying on track can be difficult at times, but we are here to remind you why you started and keep you on track towards your goal of lifelong sobriety.

What Is Sobriety?

Sobriety is more than just staying sober from drugs or alcohol. It's a commitment that you have made for yourself towards a healthier and happier life. It's about taking back that control over your life and keeping the control for years to come.

Physical Benefits 

When you recover from your addiction, you will start to feel some benefits physically. Some physical benefits of sobriety include: 

Increased Energy

When you stop drug or alcohol use, your body begins to feel rejuvenated, leading to increased energy levels and stamina.

This means you will have more time and energy to spend with yourself and those who mean the most to you.

Better Sleep

Alcohol and drugs can cause insomnia and poor sleep. When you stop the use, your sleep will improve, making you feel more refreshed day to day.

Improved Immune System

Abusing your body of harmful drugs and alcohol can have a huge effect on your immune system, causing frequent illness and a higher risk of catching diseases.

When you allow your body to heal from alcohol or drug abuse, your immune system will begin to repair itself.

Reduced Risk of Disease 

Once you have recovered from addiction, your body will be able to fight off harmful bacteria that cause alcohol or drug-related diseases. 

Mental Health Benefits 

Not only is addiction bad for your physical health, but it also causes damage to your mental health. When you choose sobriety and begin to recover, you will start to feel the positive effect on your mental health. Some of the benefits include:

You Will Feel Emotionally Stable

When you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may experience mood swings, anxiety and depression. When sober, your body is able to regulate your mood properly, meaning you will be happier within yourself day to day.

Better Cognitive Function

Substance abuse can impair your cognitive function, affecting your memory, concentration and decision-making. When you recover, you will be able to think more clearly and have a better quality of life.

Increased Self-Esteem and Purpose

When you have an addiction, you haven't got control of your life or yourself, making you feel powerless and worthless. Choosing sobriety for yourself gives you a sense of self-worth and value.

As your skin begins to clear and your eyes start to brighten, your confidence and self-esteem will likely increase. 

Healed Relationships 

Sometimes with addiction, you may push people away, those close to you who care. 

As addiction takes over your life, it also takes away your personality. You may have chosen drugs or alcohol over spending time with friends, causing you to detach yourself.

When you recover and become sober, you have the chance to reconnect with those around you and start making memories and spending time with friends. 

Strategies to Maintain Long-Term Abstinence

Recovery isn't easy and neither is maintaining your sobriety. This is why making sure you have strategies in place to manage your triggers and cravings is essential. 

Having an aftercare plan is essential for maintaining your recovery, but here are some tips that you can use in your recovery:

Have a Support System 

Having a strong support system around you and being open with family and friends about how you are feeling during your recovery is essential.

Be honest if you have cravings or urges to use them again so that they can support you and help you to remain sober.

Join a Support Group

An addiction support group is a great way to maintain sobriety. Talking to others who have also battled addiction and are trying to remain sober can help you feel empowered on your journey.

Having someone who has gone through a similar situation and can relate to you can make you feel better overall. You can also share tips with each other on how you manage cravings.

Find a New Hobby

Finding something that will keep your mind off cravings and urges can help you to remain sober. It will also make you enjoy life more.

Engaging in activities you enjoy, like exercise, releases dopamine in the brain, similar to drugs and alcohol. This means you can enjoy a dopamine hit in a healthy and sustainable way that will make you feel good about yourself.

Relaxation Techniques

Practising meditation and yoga can help you to feel calm and relaxed and regulate your mood. It can also make you feel more grounded and connected with yourself. Self care is essential in your recovery journey as it helps you to remember why you are recovering.

Choose Sobriety With Rehubs

If you are struggling with an addiction, you are not alone. Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Don't let addiction win - choose sobriety today and live a life free of addiction! 

Here at Rehubs, we will help you every step of the way of your recovery journey and we will be here as long as you need us when you start to maintain abstinence.

Our at-home plans are tailored to suit you and your individual needs, and we have 1-1 support sessions and group sessions available to help you.

The first step is always the hardest, but it doesn't have to be. We have created a short assessment form that you can fill out, confidentially, and one of our addictions specialists will shortly reach out to you.

Start your journey to sobriety today with Rehubs!