Afraid to Quit Drinking? Common Fears & How to Quit
Acknowledging that alcohol is a problem in your life is the first and most important step towards a lasting, life-changing recovery. But even if you’ve recognized the detrimental effects that alcohol has on your mind, body, and relationships, making the next steps to quit drinking can be scary. If you want to quit drinking but you’re afraid, you’re not alone. Consider a few common fears and how to work through them so you can pursue a healthy lifestyle without depending on alcohol.
“If I stop drinking, I’m afraid I won’t have anything to do. I’ll be bored.”
To the contrary, when you stop drinking, you will actually free yourself up to have more time to do the things you love. You won’t have to build your schedule around happy hours, and you won’t have to make decisions on where to go based on the availability of alcohol. When you let go of alcohol, you will be able to fill your life with people, experiences, and relationships that are truly fulfilling, exciting, and enjoyable.
“I’m afraid I’m not strong enough to quit drinking.”
This is one of the most common fears, and it’s understandable. Cutting alcohol out of your life can be intimidating, especially when it’s had such a prominent place in your life for a long time. But your level of willpower and discipline don’t have all that much to do with it. Addiction is a disease. If you’re struggling with addiction, it’s okay to reach out for help. Surrounding yourself with people who are committed to supporting you in this journey will make all the difference.
“I’m afraid I will lose friendships if I quit drinking. I’ll be lonely.”
The truth is that the people who leave your side when you decide to get sober were only there because of your alcohol usage. Your real friends will love you when you’re sober, want what is truly best for you, and will stick by you through both the good and the tough times.
“I’m afraid to quit because I might fail and start drinking again.”
Accept the reality that you may lapse back into drinking at some point. But take comfort in the fact that you can always pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and recommit to sobriety. This is not an excuse to become lax in your commitment to sobriety, but it should be taken as a reassurance that the possibility of failing is certainly no reason to avoid trying to get sober altogether.
Consider A Sober Living Environment
Fearing the journey towards sobriety is no reason to avoid it altogether. Acknowledge your fears, and move forwards to seek help for a sober, fulfilling, and healthy lifestyle.
If you are struggling to stay clean and sober, a sober living environment may be right for you. The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation offers men’s sober living residences in the beautiful coastal region of Charleston, SC.
Contact us today. We would love to talk to you about how we can help.
