Millions of Americans are reported to have started using illicit drugs at age 12 and older. Only a small fraction receive treatment which means people recovering from addictions are struggling to get well. Everyone in recovery hopes to attain and maintain sobriety, which means complete drug and alcohol abstinence. Unfortunately, some people with addictions focus too much on this goal rather than focusing on emotional sobriety. Learn more about it, what it is and how to achieve this goal.
Emotional Sobriety FAQ
Emotional sobriety is a term that describes the more complex transformation a person recovering from addiction makes while attaining physical sobriety. Giving up drugs and alcohol is great but if a person is attached to drugs and alcohol emotionally, this second piece of the puzzle needs to be looked at more closely. Being emotionally sober means getting in touch with emotions, positive and negative and allowing oneself to feel them.
Why it Matters
The importance of working toward and achieving emotional sobriety cannot be overstated. People with addiction may feel detoxing is difficult but avoiding temptations and refusing to give into cravings is a lifelong battle. The concept of wearing masks and having an invisible self can feel challenging when a person wants to move ahead in recovery.
Achieving Sobriety
Emotional sobriety should be an integral part of addiction treatment plans. Some therapists and rehab facilities may refer to emotional rehab as one part of the program. Regardless of the terms used, it is important work in therapy. Most people in recovery want to fully recognize all aspects of recovery and move forward. Emotional sobriety means something a little different to each person in recovery and it comes down to maintaining a healthy emotional balance. Dwelling on past regrets and pain will only make it harder to move forward. Physical sobriety without emotional sobriety can lead to triggers and eventually relapse. Give permission to experience all the feelings and realize it is human nature to feel these emotions all at the same time. The hardest part is stepping out of the box to ask for help to begin with, so take the strides necessary to heal all parts of the self and find healing.
Cypress Lakes helps individuals uncover the mind, body, spirit connection to the self and move forward as a whole person in recovery. The new perspective you will have comes from understanding emotional and physical sobriety coincide. If you are struggling to feel whole and battle addiction, call us. We are here to provide safe surroundings for you to find healing. 877-938-1577