Yet, this is far from the way that drug rehab centers actually operate nowadays. Your addiction rehab team will always endeavor to treat you with respect and without judgment. The most effective addiction treatment requires compassion, warmth and empathy.

There is more time for new sober activities when you get clean. These activities go a long way toward making your life better and happier. Sobriety isn’t the only thing that stops people from getting what they want in life. People are afraid of failing more than anything else. People who are afraid of failing can think about what would happen if they didn’t try and what would happen if they did try.

Sobriety Fear #3: You’re going to fail.

It is estimated that up to 80% of those who find long-term sobriety had at least one relapse along the way. Some people experience many setbacks before they find lasting recovery. Your intentions may be good, but it takes more than willpower to avoid having a relapse.

Once you are able to uncover your own internal motivation to change your relationship with alcohol, cutting down becomes your choice, and even the hard work can feel rewarding. You will notice the difference between the fair-weather friends–the ones who have been there for the drugs or alcohol and the people who are your true friends. They will leave to keep taking drugs or alcohol (who will stay with you and support you through your decision to get sober).

Is it possible to be afraid of recovering from addiction?

Recognizing that fear is present is the first step in moving beyond it. The fear of being sober is often about dealing with your loss of a coping mechanism for “real” life. You’re afraid you don’t have the tools and resources to help you to maintain your sobriety. You are afraid that being sober will simply be too hard. If you’re in recovery from a substance use disorder, you already know how much work it took to achieve sobriety, and you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid having a relapse.

• However, with professional help, this can also be done much easier than most people think.
• Fears about sobriety are common, even for people who desperately seek it.
• Many people do not like the idea of being “different.” The idea of being a non-drinker is something every sober person must accept and many who are afraid cannot.
• When alcohol becomes an integral part of your life, it’s scary to think about who you are without it.
• It’s a convenient cop-out we’re all guilty of using.
• You are afraid that being sober will simply be too hard.

The prospect of being without the one thing that relieves their sense of low self-esteem and lack of self-love can be very scary. These people know that the days are hard right now, but they endure because they also know that, eventually, fear of being sober they will come out on top. They don’t know when or how, but they trust that it will happen. In the meantime, they do what they must to survive the day. Or maybe, on some level, you don’t believe you’re worthy of success.

“I am afraid my life will become boring.”

Sobriety is a personal decision, and you should do what’s best for you, not what other people think is best for you. In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety lead to avoidance that can disrupt your life. Severe stress can affect your relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities.

• I remember when I first got sober, I was concerned about giving up drugs and alcohol forever.
• But for most people, staying sober isn’t that straightforward.
• Many people are afraid to get sober simply because they think they will hate it.
• These people know that the days are hard right now, but they endure because they also know that, eventually, they will come out on top.