5 Benefits of Getting Real About Sobriety

It’s time to get real about your recovery. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it; you’ve read Scott’s blog, listened to his podcasts, or read his eye-opening book about the opioid crisis. But you’ve been putting it off. If you’re a functioning addict, it’s especially easy to put off sobriety.

Drugs and alcohol aren’t affecting your life that badly, are they? Not if you’ve still got a job, friends, and a relationship.

But if you pay attention to national headlines, you’ll know that tomorrow doesn’t always come. Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins was found dead in March of this year with ten substances in his system. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins died in April with ketamine and twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system. Aaron Carter’s November cause of death has yet to be officially released, but his struggle with drugs and alcohol was well-known.

When you’re in the throes of addiction, it’s difficult to recognize any benefits to getting sober, so we’ve laid them out for you below.

Five Benefits of Sobriety

1.Better sleep.

If you drink heavily or use drugs, your sleep will suffer during withdrawal. However, later, your body will thank you. Alcohol interferes with your natural sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep—but harder to stay asleep. Certain drugs can inhibit breathing during sleep, causing snoring and sleep apnea and disturbing the natural sleep cycle.

2. Better skin.

Injectable drugs have obvious effects on the skin: track lines, infection, broken blood vessels, etc., are unappealing and sometimes life-threatening. From dehydration to adverse sleep effects, alcohol use can cause jaundice, broken capillaries on the face, and low collagen levels. Meth addicts are known for their poor skin, thanks to the common problem of skin picking.

When you are rested, hydrated, and receiving the right nutrients, you glow. Drugs and alcohol prevent that glow from shining through.

3. Improved mental health.

It’s difficult to put things into perspective when you’re under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Maybe you use because you’re depressed, or maybe you’re depressed because you use. Either way, substance use won’t fix it. Getting sober may be the hardest thing you ever do, but it will be the first step to true mental healing.

4. Improved physical health.

There is no guarantee that getting sober will help you live longer. You could quit using and get hit by a truck tomorrow. It’s a common excuse to continue using, but what if you do live a long time? What quality of life will you have? You could get cancer, liver cirrhosis, or HIV. You could also get high and walk into traffic or overdose.

Chances are, you have people you love. Do everything you can to be around for them a little longer.

5. More money.

How much do you spend on your vice? If you spend an average of $20 per day, that’s over $7,000 per year. That’s enough for a car payment, trip to Disney World, or even an apartment (with a roommate or two). Think of the money you’d be saving and how it can help you reach your goals.

Addiction feels like the easiest route, but addiction is a taker. It takes your health, mind, and money. Sobriety can give it all back.

Choose sobriety. Call Scott Silverman at 619-993-2738 for resources to help you stay on the road to recovery.