There are no guarantees that sobriety will affect a person’s morality. Drugs and alcohol are only a symptom of much bigger problems that can become even worse in sobriety without recovery. Taking away the drugs and alcohol just means that – the drugs and alcohol are taken away. Abstinence does not mean that a person will necessarily change into a different person, but a dry drunk can emerge in full force.
A dry drunk abstains from abusing substances, but they may act comparatively as to when they were under the influence. They may be rid of drugs and alcohol, but they do not show signs of being “sober” with their attitudes and behaviors. Loved one start questioning if they like their decision to stop drinking and using because cessation has only brought on pure misery for not only the addict, but for everyone around them. Getting stuck in a life that only entails not drinking, makes an addict not enjoy their life.
Complacency is the biggest factor to quitting drinking or using. An addict may not want to better themselves in the spirit of recovery. The emotional baggage that the addict holds onto prevents them from working on the very thing that led to their addiction in the first place. They may continue to harbor resentments that lead them to act out in ways that are hurtful. The family may have to walk on eggshells around the addict to keep them from getting angry and irrational which can be a dreadful way to have to live.
Relapse becomes a possibility without working through the anguish of the past. An addict either goes towards recovery or goes towards the addiction. Rarely will a person stay in the same place in life without either changing in a positive way or a negative way. Being sober means taking the opportunity to learn about the addiction to benefit from personal growth. Sobriety bolsters a new way to live that gives an addict rewards to strive for while abstinence is a bare minimum result of getting rid of the substance abuse. Finding a therapy that works for the addict or getting them into a 12-Step program are fundamental ways to implement a recovery process.
Eliminating the booze or mind-altering drugs just leaves an addict white knuckling life with no direction. Abstinence along with personal growth makes for a positive equation in sobriety.
You deserve to be ADORNED in your recovery. Life skills, coping tools, education, holistic healing, and a sober support system will help you gain long term sobriety. Serenity Oaks Wellness Center offers a comprehensive treatment program for recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Call us today for information: 844-720-6847
