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26 APR 2022

Five Life-Changing Benefits of Sober Living

Becoming sober is a unique experience for each and every recovering addict. For many, they rediscover life as it should be lived. Though no two individuals are the same in their recovery process, many report life-changing improvements after adjusting to sober life in sober living facilities.

  • Increased physical energy. When consistently high, drunk or hungover, it’s hard to find strength to be active and participate in exercise activities or even have the energy to get through the day productively. When sober, many people feel like their running on a full tank of gas instead of fumes, which helps them accomplish more in a day—whether it’s putting in a full day or work or training for a marathon.
  • More time. When drunk or high, time is obscured by drugs or alcohol, and those moments aren’t always remember or cherished. When sober, you’re more aware of time and how you’re spending it. Not only do you have more time because you’re not using it to drink or score another fix, but the quality of time is also improved. There’s time to spend with friends and family, as well as live new experiences. As life goes on, there’s no way to get wasted time back, but there is always time to move forward and appreciate this gift.
  • Increased productivity. With more time and better physical energy, many people report increased productivity with sobriety in a first step sober house. You help chores in your sober home, you’re performing well at work or you’re attending daily meetings and keeping to a schedule. Productivity in itself doesn’t have to be life changing, but reclaiming a life that’s productive can be.
  • Better mental health. Alcohol and drugs affect people both physically and mentally. As a depressant, alcohol brings people’s mood down and many who drink report feelings of depression, anxiety or irritability, despite those initial feelings of excitement or euphoria when drinking. Navigating the emotional changes that come with sobriety can be difficult, but consulting a trained counselor throughout treatment and recovery can help.
  • Developing real and meaningful relationships. Some people maintain relationships when sober, but even good relationships often suffer or become superficial when drugs or alcohol are in control. When sober, it’s possible to have genuine and deep conversation when spending time with friends and family. Two-way conversation and listening becomes a reality, and it’s possible to mend relationships that were weakened by addiction.

Getting sober isn’t always easy and it can take time to feel comfortable in your new skin. Stay optimistic, because the benefits can change your life for the better!

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