Are you considering getting help for your problematic drinking or drug habit but haven’t quiiite made the personal decision yet, here are some of the best reasons to start recovery and get sober NOW.

Sober Reason #1: You’ll Start to Feel Better Physically

The immediate benefits are easy to point out – no more hangovers, unexplained bruises or injuries, dope sickness, shakes, etc.

But did you also know that there are well over 200 diseases and chronic health conditions associated with heavy or long-term substance abuse? By choosing to recover, you are making the best possible choice for your current and future health.

Sober Reason #2: You’ll Feel Better Mentally, Too

Substance use directly affects the brain, including your cognitive abilities and your executive reasoning. It’s not an exaggeration to describe an active addiction as “living in a fog”.

But when you commit to abstinence, your brain starts healing and you slowly begin to regain your ability to think coherent thoughts. And here’s the best thing – the sooner you start your sober journey, the easier your cognitive recovery will become.

Sober Reason #3: You’ll Regain Control of Yourself

Addiction also impacts the areas of the brain responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation. This is why you act uncharacteristically when you are drinking or using.

The neurochemical balance of your brain slowly returns to normal during recovery, and with abstinence, professional and personal support, and approved medications, you will be better able to control your emotional responses and avoid impulsive behaviors.

Sober Reason #4: Your Looks Will Improve

The abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs wreaks havoc on your appearance, head to toe – poor skin, “meth mouth”, unhealthy weight loss or gain, worsened personal hygiene, etc.

But when you stop putting toxins in your body and start eating better during recovery, restored health translates to putting your best face forward.

Sober Reason #5: You’ll Save Soooo Much Money

Do you have any idea how much money it costs to maintain a drinking or drug habit? Depending on your substance of choice, it can run into the tens of thousands of dollars every year.

Imagine what you could do with that kind of money:

• Buy a new car
• Travel
• Go back to school
• Save for the future

Instead of wasting it on getting high and drunk, you can do something positive for yourself and your family.

Sober Reason #6: You’ll Be a Better Partner

Did you know that about 1 in 13 marriages end because of substance abuse? In your own life, how many arguments and other problems have you had because of your issues with alcohol and drugs?

Top rehab programs realize that addiction is a disease that affects the entire family, so they also provide couples and family counseling as part of the treatment process.

When you are sober, instead of being controlled by selfish, substance-driven impulses, you can be a more attentive and supportive spouse or partner.

Sober Reason #7: You’ll Be a Better Parent

Substance abuse is involved in up to two-thirds of child maltreatment cases, and up to 80% of cases involving removal of the child from the home.

During recovery, you learn how to be the best YOU possible, so you can be there for the people who depend upon you. Instead of spending all your time on drug/alcohol-driven actions, your time and attention can be spent on your children.

And here’s the thing – it doesn’t just have to be special occasions like birthdays or Christmas. Better parenting can be as simple as being an everyday presence in their lives – helping with homework, making dinner, or watching TV together at night, etc.

Sober Reason #8: You’ll Make Better Friends

During active addiction, it’s easy to find so-called “friends” who are just along for the ride. They are happy to “party”, but as soon as the alcohol and drugs run out, the party is over. In fact, with these sorts of relationships, getting drunk and high may be the only thing you have in common.

But in recovery, we are taught the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive people who support our efforts at sobriety. When you make TRUE friendships based on mutual interests, your recovery will be respected.

Sober Reason #9: You’ll Have A Lot More Time

Active addiction can take up your entire day—thinking about using, acquiring the substance, using, and recovering from use becomes more than a full-time job. The satisfaction of an addiction comes at the expense of other ones-enjoyed activities and obligations.

During recovery from addiction, you reclaim your everyday life. Imagine what you could do with all of that “free” time.

Sober Reason #10: You’ll Be Present for Your Own Life

Addiction makes you miss out on so many important and meaningful moments and memories. It’s worse than just blackouts and passing out, it’s also the lost time and attention.

As you regain your sobriety and move forward in recovery, however, your focus can change, shifting away from alcohol and drugs and turning towards those life moments that are most important to you. You will never miss out because you were too out of it to take notice.

If any of these reasons for recovery appeal to you and you are ready to take the first step of recovery, Chapman House Behavioral Treatment Centers can be your go-to resource to give you the help and support you need.

Since 1978, Chapman House has provided premier addiction recovery services in Orange County, California, helping individuals and families in crisis due to problematic substance abuse.

Because the right time to recover is always RIGHT NOW, contact Chapman House TODAY.

‍

by Albert Fontenot