Signs You’re Ready to Get Sober

Was it your New Year’s resolution to get sober?

For some of us, the idea of resolving is something that comes more easily after a fresh year rolls around. If you are one of these people and have set your sights on sobriety, then you must know the signs that you are ready.

Not everyone who chooses to enter recovery will do so at the same level of commitment. This is why it’s more important than ever to understand what may be triggering your choice.

If you are ready to make a change and want to know if you’re also ready, here are some signs that might be signaling that it’s time to take action.

Keep reading!

Accepting You Have An Issue

The first step toward sobriety and getting sober is accepting that you have a problem. When you are aware and admit to yourself that drugs or alcohol are causing issues in your life, you are taking an important milestone towards getting sober.

Being conscious of the fact you have an issue is a sign that you are ready to get sober. Moreover, if you find yourself thinking often throughout the day about using drugs or alcohol, it is a sign that you are mentally ready and committed to making a change.

Additionally, if you are constantly buying and using more substances than you intend to, it is a signal to take a step back and assess the situation and make positive changes towards sobriety.

Furthermore, if your loved ones are expressing their concern and you are listening, it is a clear indication that you are open to the idea of sobriety and are ready to make a change.

Noticing the Negative Impact of Drinking

Noticing the negative impact of drinking is an important first step in determining whether you are ready to get sober. If you are frequently experiencing hangovers, drinking in dangerous situations, struggling with withdrawal symptoms, or finding yourself making increasingly irrational decisions while drinking, these are all signs that you are not in control of your drinking.

It’s also important to look at the effects of drinking on your relationships and work performance. Are your loved ones finding it difficult to trust you? Do you often call in sick to work? This can point to drinking having an unhealthy influence on your life.

Taking Inventory of Your Drinking Habits

Taking inventory of your drinking habits is a sign that you are ready to get sober. When you are noticing that your drinking habits are becoming out of the ordinary or problematic, it is a sign that you may need to take a break from drinking and re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol.

Are you drinking when you’re feeling stressed or lonely? Do you need a drink to help you relax? Also, do you tend to make bad decisions when you are drinking? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to take stock of your drinking habits and make a commitment to get sober.

Remember that it is up to you to take the necessary steps to get sober and stay sober. Set clear boundaries for yourself and try to find effective ways to manage stress and difficult situations in a sober way.

Noticing Unnecessary Risk-Taking When Intoxicated

When you are intoxicated, you may take part in activities that you would never do when sober. Taking risks, such as driving under the influence and participating in dangerous physical activities, can be signs that it is time to get sober. These activities not only potentially hurt you, but put innocent bystanders in danger.

If you feel like you need to take risks to participate in activities that make you happy, this is a sign that you need to get sober. You should not feel like you need to depend on alcohol to make yourself fulfilled, and you should talk to your doctor about how to quit drinking.

Other signs of being ready to get sober include isolating yourself, blacking out when drinking, being excessively moody, and neglecting responsibilities. It might not be easy, but with dedication, you can do it.

Feeling Out of Control With Alcohol

Signs you’re ready to get sober can include feeling out of control with alcohol. Have you ever drunk more than what was intended, or felt like you couldn’t stop drinking once you started? These feelings can become more frequent and intense when reaching out for help and implementing change.

Consistently feeling guilty after drinking or difficulty stopping after having one or two drinks, and often noticing that alcohol has taken over your life can be signs of needing to quit drinking.

If you are finding yourself making challenges to drink more and feeling constantly anxious or depressed when sober, taking control and getting professional help is essential. Recognizing these signs and seeking sobriety is a brave and positive step.

Understanding Your Triggers

Signs that you’re ready to get sober include recognizing and understanding your triggers. Knowing your triggers makes it easier to anticipate and prepare for challenging moments.

Do you have strong cravings, and those cravings have been increasing in intensity and you feel like you can no longer fight them? Do you experience physical withdrawal symptoms when you don’t consume your drug of choice regularly?

Do you feel like your life is spiraling out of control, and you can no longer keep up with your routine? If you say yes to any of these questions, it’s a sign that you are ready to get sober and begin the journey towards a sobriety lifestyle.

Understanding That Change Is Possible

Signs that you’re ready to get sober include understanding that change is possible. You also start feeling hopeful and committed to the process.

You begin to accept that part of what causes addiction is the change in brain chemistry. When you have the necessary knowledge that change is possible, then you can get through it.

Looking to the future and believing that life can be better and that you can overcome addiction gives a sense of hope. Committing yourself to the process of recovery requires belief and motivation. If you are eager and willing to take the necessary steps to make a change, that is when knowing that you are ready.

A great way to start your journey toward recovery is to find an addiction treatment program or join a recovery group. You can also start building a sober support system, and attending counseling is a vital piece of the recovery puzzle.

Taking control of your life and making the decision to seek help are giant signs that you are ready to get sober.

Overcoming Feelings of Resignation

Signs that you’re ready to get sober could include feelings of aspiration, motivation, and readiness to take responsibility for your lasting health. You may start to understand that it is possible to reach this goal and be willing to do the hard inner and outer work necessary.

When resilience and self-reflection replace discouragement and resignation, you’ll recognize this as a sign you’re ready for a new outlook on life and be more open to finding your path to sobriety.

You may also find yourself ready to put effort into combatting the external and internal forces that brought you to the point of wanting to use a particular substance.

Utilizing the right resources and creating a support network that enables and encourages sobriety could also indicate that you are ready to make a lasting change.

Understanding the Advantages of Sobriety

As you begin to understand the advantages of sobriety better, you may start to recognize a feeling of dissatisfaction with your current lifestyle and compulsive behaviors. You might also feel a sense of guilt or remorse for activities that happened while you were inebriated.

Other signs may include attending alcoholics anonymous meetings, seeking therapy, and spending time with non-alcoholic friends. You may also start to feel more in control when making decisions about your physical and mental health. When you accept full responsibility for your actions and develop a plan of action to remain sober, you are showing that you are ready to get sober.

All of these factors point to the idea that you are gaining insight into what sobriety will mean for your life, career, and relationships – understanding the many advantages that sobriety brings.

Embracing a New Lifestyle

Embracing a new lifestyle is a sure sign that you’re seriously considering getting sober. If you’re tired of the negative impacts alcohol is having on your life and the people around you, it’s time to make the necessary changes.

You may find yourself ready to get sober when activities such as cooking, exercising, or reading become more enjoyable than drinking. You may begin to think more carefully about what you eat and drink, your relationship with different people, and how you want to spend your free time.

You may also find yourself to be more open-minded and choose to talk with friends and family about your decisions and goals. If you find yourself proactive in making healthier decisions and embracing a new, sober lifestyle, these are definite signs that it’s time for you to get sober.

A Desire for Positive Physical & Mental Health

Signs that you are ready to get sober are when you don’t want alcohol to be the crutch that helps you through difficult times. When you start to realize that drinking is a source of negative physical (i.e. stress, weight fluctuations, mental confusion, etc.) and mental health (i.e. depression, anxiety, etc.), it is an indication that you are ready to start the journey to sobriety.

When you start feeling more motivated to take better care of your body, work on relationships, and be more present in your life, it is also a sign of you being ready to commit to getting sober. You may also awaken feeling better after periods of clarity and lucidity when you are off the booze, which encourages you to try to stay away from it.

Lastly, when thinking about sobriety, you may have a genuine desire to achieve positive physical and mental health for the long term.

Recognizing a Need for Change & Stability

Realizing that you need to make a change is one of the first signs. Do you feel like your drinking or drug use has taken control, leaving you feeling powerless?

Are your relationships and finances affected by your substance use? Do you feel ashamed, embarrassed, or frustrated by your current situation? These feelings can be signs that it’s time for realistic and lasting change.

Identifying and addressing the underlying issues behind your addiction is a difficult, but necessary step in achieving stability in your life. Doing things such as attending support group meetings, talking to a therapist, and setting goals can be incredibly beneficial to help you develop new coping strategies and reach sobriety.

If you reach out and make a commitment, you can start making changes now.

Acknowledging That Sobriety Is Possible

Acknowledging that sobriety is possible means recognizing that you can make a life change for the better and leave behind your addiction to alcohol. You become more open-minded to the possibility of sobriety, looking into treatment options and discussing sobriety with family and friends.

Reaching out for help can be a difficult but powerful step toward sobriety. As you become more willing to accept that sobriety is possible and achievable, you will begin to explore helpful avenues, such as counseling or connecting with organizations and groups that can help you. You will also start to look for support within your family and social network.

Acknowledging that sobriety is possible is an important step that is necessary for recovery.

Get Sober Today

If you’re reading this, you are likely considering taking the first steps to get sober. Remember, sobriety can provide a calmer, healthier life full of rewards. Decide to commit to sobriety and take the steps today.

Reach out to a professional today to get the support you need.

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