When you think about being sober, you almost always think about the physical side of sobriety. While abstaining from substances and regaining your overall health is important, it only paints half the picture. In order to stay in recovery for the long run, you must also seek to achieve emotional sobriety. While this concept may not be spoken about much, having control of what you think and feel in the moment is critical to helping you grow in your recovery.
This blog defines emotional sobriety, explains why it is important, and offers ways you can strengthen your emotional sobriety in your daily life. Making the decision to get clean is one of the most important things you can do in your life. If you are ready to change your life for the better, call SEE Purpose Treatment today. Our top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Indiana employs both 12-Step and non-12-Step treatment approaches that are evidence-based and customized to meet your specific needs.
Call us right now to learn more about treatment programs at our drug addiction treatment center.
What Is Emotional Sobriety?
Simply defined, emotional sobriety is the ability to be emotionally healthy enough to handle changing emotions in everyday life. No matter how up or down emotionally you get during your day, you have the tools to cope with those feelings. You are able to do so without the use of drugs and alcohol.
When you start getting sober, you begin to look and feel the best you have for a long time. While you feel great in a physical sense, you may feel emotionally flat. Drugs and alcohol change brain chemistry and functioning, and as a result, your emotions may be out of whack. The volatility of your emotions can make you feel on edge, and you may be tempted to seek out substances to help you “balance out.” If you are able to avoid drugs and alcohol, you may engage in other destructive or high-risk behaviors.
When you develop a strong sense of emotional sobriety, you are less likely to fly off the handle when you face adversity in your day. You feel a sense of balance and have total awareness of the present moment. Additionally, being emotionally sober means you are in control of your emotions and you aren’t controlled by others. Ultimately, you take part in meaningful relationships with family, friends, and others.
Ways to Develop Emotional Sobriety
The methods to becoming more emotionally sober start developing in treatment through life skills and coping skills training. Simple but effective, the following methods will allow you to take the reins of your emotions and help you become more centered and stable:
- Regular counseling and therapy after treatment: With the help of an experienced therapist, you will learn to be accountable of how you handle your emotions and develop healthy coping skills to better handle those emotions.
- Learning and practicing mindful breathing and other meditation techniques: All that is needed is 10-15 minutes a day, a quiet space to sit, and an effort to focus on your breathing.
- Keeping a daily journal:You can use this to write out your thoughts and feelings.
- Make an effort to be empathetic: Instead of focusing on yourself, put yourself in another person’s shoes and gain a wider perspective of your situation through multiple angles.
- Practice great self-care: Improve your well-being by implementing a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, getting restful sleep each night, and practicing great personal hygiene.
- Find fulfillment through hobbies: This could include writing, playing or writing music, art, or immersing yourself in a sport such as basketball, golf, or the martial arts.
- Embrace spirituality and reach out to something bigger than yourself: This can include organized religious practice or simply focusing on a higher power.
Start Your Sobriety Journey With Help From SEE Purpose Treatment
The first step in your recovery journey is admitting you have a problem and seeking professional help. SEE Purpose Treatment is a leading Indiana inpatient substance abuse treatment center. We offer quality care, customized evidence-based treatment, and luxury accommodations that are clean, safe, and comforting. We employ a dynamic blend of 12-step and non-12-step approaches that heal and restore your mind, body, and spirit.
No matter the severity of your addiction, the experienced treatment staff at SEE Purpose Treatment will give you the tools and support you need to thrive! Call us today and start living your best life.
