Living sober is a wonderful way of life. However, making the change to a completely sober life is not always easy. Because alcohol and drugs are so predominant in our society, it becomes difficult to imagine life without them. Nevertheless, as you will see, getting sober creates many opportunities and forces us to enjoy life as it truly is.  

1. Presence 

Getting off substances creates an immediate need to be present. Removing any mind-altering substances, whether alcohol or drugs, requires the person to accept reality. Also, it forces the sober person to find joy in other things. Sobriety requires all of us to be present and grateful for the little things we overlooked when using.

2. Commitment 

Commitment is another huge benefit of living sober. When we are able to stick to our plan of sobriety, we see this commitment trickle down into other areas of our lives. We begin to understand that by committing to a cause (and following through with commitment), we can do anything we put our minds to. 

3. Connection

Relieving our body and minds of substances also creates a deep connection with ourselves, nature, and other people. After all, when we have nothing to change the way we feel, we are required to connect with what is existing. Nature is something we often fail to notice when using. But, when we are sober, we may find the beauty of nature mesmerizing. Connecting with ourselves is another huge bonus. Without any external roadblocks, we are able to get completely honest with how we feel. Plus, finding new people to enjoy, without being intoxicated, really allows for deep and natural connections.

4. New Hobbies

New hobbies will come by the truckload when trying out a life of sobriety. For instance, when you stop spending time at bars, you will find new things to occupy your time. Perhaps you will finally be able to start exercising, painting, or learning a new language. We will find a myriad of new activities that we otherwise would not have been able to enjoy. However, the free time required to find new hobbies can also be detrimental. It is important, like all things in recovery, to be focused on doing the next right thing, and finding ways to benefit your life. 

5. Health

This one may be the most obvious benefit of living sober. Yet, it is still a very true result of being sober. The list of long-term health benefits are extensive. Below are some health benefits from sobriety:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Weight loss
  • Clear mind 
  • Less anxiety and depression
  • Lowering chances of diseases from drinking/using

Beyond the short list above, many other health benefits are accompanied by removing alcohol and substances from you life. But, above all else, you will not be subjected to any negative effects from drugs and alcohol.

Conclusion

Sobriety is a beautiful thing. It will allow us to become present, understand commitment, connect with ourselves, nature and others, find new hobbies, and extend the longevity of our life. Above all else, living sober will also give us something new to live for. So, what are you waiting on?  For assistance in locating a sober living home, please reach out to Design for Recovery.