Coming face to face with our fears can be absolutely terrifying, but also freeing. It helps to realize that we don’t have to be controlled by our fears, we get to control them. One of the simplest ways to work towards acceptance and not letting fear take control is to eliminate fears altogether.
Fears are Normal
Fear is a normal part of life and of recovery from addiction. Coming face to face with fears means realizing you are human and that treatment does not eliminate those fears. It can provoke emotions, both positive and negative, as we tend to worry when we face the unknown and what we cannot control. When you find yourself facing fears and turning to negative thinking about the worst possible outcome, work on replacing it with positive thinking strategies. Focus on what you can control, accept the inevitable and refocus your outlook on what feels positive rather than turning to negative thoughts. The only thing you control is yourself, the rest you have to let go and set your sights on the next steps.
Practice Acceptance
Some of the most common fears can derail recovery. They may include:
- How to cope in life without drugs or alcohol
- Wondering if sobriety is sustainable
- Feeling afraid to get sober and wondering if friends or family will accept you
The truth is, not everyone will want to stick around you when you are sober. Most likely, family and friends (who are sober themselves) are happy to see you move into this new, healthy phase of life. Others who are stuck in addiction may struggle to understand the change or may not want to come along for the journey. Moreover, you may not want them to be in your sphere of influence because they may drag you back into addiction and trigger a relapse. Treatment is a time to build a foundation with tools that will work to alleviate fears and help you build solid ground for long term recovery. It takes practice and support to learn coping mechanisms for fear. Some of the damage inflicted by drug abuse and addiction will be fixable in the short and long term but others will only come from an investment in yourself and relationships over the long haul. It takes dedication and focus to allay those fears, brush them aside and realize your sobriety is yours alone, nobody else’s. Take ownership of that and you will see fear subside and success grow. Acknowledge the fear, do it anyway. Recognize you are still here and still sober. Work on that, one day at a time, and the rest will fall into place.
Oceanfront is a safe space to lay out your fears and get answers to your questions about sober living. We provide treatment resources and programs that will get you where you want to be and support your sobriety. We will meet you where you are at, right now, today. Call us to find out how we can help you start the process of letting go of fear and judgment to put your sobriety first: 877-576-7143
