You may have heard people say a person who has battled an addiction is “clean and sober.” What does that mean? It’s not descriptive of what it is like to struggle with addiction or be in recovery in many ways. For those who are trying to carve out a healthy future, sober living isn’t always simple like this. What does it mean for you? At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we aim to give you the tools you need to create your own way forward. Please call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about our recovery programs.
What Does Sober Living Mean?
Sober living is a term used to describe a person’s ability to live a life without using drugs or alcohol to cope. During addiction, many people feel compelled to use substances. They cannot stop the cravings and withdrawal symptoms they have during active addiction if they try to stop. Later, in treatment, a person starts on the path towards recovery but may need to overcome numerous physical and mental health challenges.
When you reach a point where you don’t feel urges to use and can handle stressors without wanting those substances, that’s when you start sober living.
Sober Living Doesn’t Mean Addiction Is Over
When you are engaging in life again after treatment, you’ll feel apprehensive. You may be afraid of people or specific experiences. Over time, that improves. You can get back into the process of living, such as going to school or work, spending time with friends and family, and working on improving yourself. Yet, your addiction isn’t gone. It’s still there, just not active and more controlled than before.
Eventually, you will get to the point where you are no longer afraid of addiction or those substances. You recognize that you can’t use them and may still have your boundaries around them. Yet, they do not control your thoughts. This period is when sober living really becomes authentic.
Why Clean and Sober Isn’t Sober Living
A common misconception is that the way a person looks or acts is enough to define their health. Consider a few factors:
- A person struggling with relapse may still go through their same habits and appear normal to those that don’t recognize the symptoms.
- Recovery is messy. During those first months, you may not be as “clean” and healthy-looking as people think you should.
- You’re still battling a disease. Recovery of any illness takes time. You’ll start to recover right away, but it takes time to get to the point of being confident.
- Addiction is not the same for any two people. You’ll recover in a way that’s right for you.
- Sober living is defined by your health and happiness. You need to stay on the path of not using drugs or alcohol to achieve your desired outcome.
It’s challenging to put labels on the recovery process, so it’s best not to try in many cases. Instead, focus on living each day to the best of your abilities.
Embrace a Healthy Future With Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
When you are ready to embrace sober living in Florida, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida. Our comprehensive programs and outstanding therapy opportunities provide you with the tools you need to recover in your own way. Learn more about the treatment we can provide to you, including program options such as the following:
- Residential detox programs
- Medical detox programs
- Holistic treatment programs
- Women’s treatment programs
- Men’s treatment programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Are you embracing sober living? Do you wish you could get to that point in addiction recovery? We can help you. Learn more about sober living in Florida when you call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, a program we’ve designed to provide you with the ability to live a life you love. Call 866.294.5306 or connect with us online for immediate help.
