Why Sobriety is the Best Decision I’ve Ever Made for My Mental Health

Kieran Hurley
Sober Kieran
Published in
5 min readJul 29, 2023

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders. This was the case for me when I was diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis. It was a dark period in my life, but getting sober turned out to be the light at the end of the tunnel. Today, I can confidently say that my mental health has improved dramatically since I entered recovery. AA is my choice for recovery as long as I am away from alcohol I never touch a drug and never plan to a day at a time.

The Freedom of No Regrets

One of the first things I noticed when I left behind my alcoholic lifestyle was the freedom from regret. No more waking up and piecing together last night’s events, trying to remember whom I had hurt, embarrassed, or annoyed. Sobriety has allowed me to live in the moment and be fully present in my relationships and the world around me. I cherish every moment now that I don’t have to worry about the disastrous consequences of addiction.

Building Healthy Habits for Mental Wellbeing

Maintaining my mental health requires more effort than simply staying away from alcohol and drugs. I also focus on cultivating healthy habits like eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. All of these are important for sustaining my energy levels and managing my mental health.

I also make sure to stay connected with supportive people who understand where I’m coming from. Having a network of encouragement is essential for my ongoing recovery and helps me stay positive.

Recovery is a lifelong journey, but I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the progress I’ve made. Although there are still tough days, I can find comfort in knowing that there’s light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how dark things get, it will pass.

Being in Control of My Finances

Addiction is expensive. The cost of drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors can add up quickly and lead to debt, which only adds to the mental burden of addiction. Once I got sober, I realized just how much money I was spending on drugs and alcohol, and I was grateful to be taking control of my financial situation. Now, I can spend my money on things that matter to me and save for my future goals, which is a huge weight off my shoulders.

Sobriety Gives Me Focus

In addiction, my focus was solely on getting the next fix. Getting sober has allowed me to regain control of my life and take charge of my future. I can focus on work, hobbies, and my relationships without feeling constantly distracted or on edge. This focus has allowed me to become more productive and accomplish more than I ever imagined.

Living a Meaningful Life

Sobriety has helped me to focus on what’s important in life, like spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, and exploring my passions. I’m learning to appreciate the little moments instead of looking for something bigger or better. In sobriety, I’m living a meaningful life that is full of joy and fulfillment, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

Reaching Out for Help

It’s easy to feel alone in addiction, but in sobriety, I’ve found a supportive community. There are so many resources available to those struggling with addiction or just looking for support. Whether it’s meeting with a therapist, attending a recovery group, or getting together with sober friends, there are plenty of ways to get the help you need. Reaching out for support can be an important step towards lasting sobriety.

The Benefits of Community

In recovery, I have found an entire community of people who are on the same journey as me. I’ve found support and encouragement from people who have already gone through what I have and come out the other side. My support group and networks have been invaluable in helping me maintain my sobriety and grow as a person. They’ve accepted me as I am, with all my flaws, and have shown me that recovery is possible.

Find Your Strength Within Yourself

Living in sobriety has taught me that I am stronger than I thought. Even when it feels like no one else is there, I can find strength within myself to keep going and remain sober. Recovery isn’t easy — the path may be challenging and difficult at times — but with the right attitude and support network, I know that anything is possible. With hard work and dedication, I can stay on the path to lasting sobriety.

No More Relapse

Relapse is a common concern in addiction recovery, but it doesn’t have to be a fear. I’ve learned to stay mindful of my triggers and take steps to prevent relapse, like avoiding certain people or places that could lead me down the wrong path. Having a support network is vital in making sure I don’t give into temptation and remain on the road to recovery. With the right tools, I know that continued sobriety is within reach.

Life After Addiction

Living in sobriety has changed my life for the better. I have a newfound sense of confidence, freedom, and purpose that I never thought was possible before. Without addiction controlling my life, I’m able to pursue new hobbies, work on self-care and build meaningful relationships with others. Recovery has given me a new outlook on life, I am excited to see what the future has in store.

My Recovery Journey

My recovery journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step of the way. Every day is an opportunity to grow and become stronger than before. Whether I’m attending meetings or finding ways to better manage my stress, I am on a path to lasting recovery and I’m proud of the progress that I have made.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, getting sober was the best decision I’ve ever made for my mental health. Sobriety has given me the freedom to be present in my life, control my finances, a renewed focus on my goals, a supportive community, and the knowledge that relapse is not inevitable. If you’re struggling with addiction, I encourage you to seek help and remember that it’s never too late to start over in your life. Sobriety has given me a new lease on life, and I’m happy to be sharing my story with anyone who might be struggling. There is hope and I am living proof of that.

Although recovery has been a long road, I’m now able to better manage my triggers and avoid potential relapses. With the help of therapy, meetings, and community support, I’ve become more mindful of my day-to-day actions and how they may affect my recovery journey. From setting realistic goals to practicing self-care techniques, I’m confident in my ability to stay on track with my sobriety. The end of addiction is a new beginning — one that can offer freedom and peace of mind.

--

--