4 Benefits of Sobriety From Alcohol and Drugs

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Addiction of any kind has the power to destroy relationships as well as affect an individual’s physical and mental health. Frequently, individuals suffering from addiction are unable to see the weight of the consequences they face due to their substance abuse. For example, most individuals use drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings and experiences. As a result, they numb themselves from the reality of the negative consequences of addiction.

If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, it is essential to recognize the benefits of sobriety. Once individuals acknowledge the positive aspects of sobriety, they can begin to imagine a life without their substance of choice. Additionally, once individuals make the first steps towards sobriety, they can start to experience the benefits as well.

4 Benefits of Sobriety

Sobriety can be extremely difficult, especially when you consider the amount of work and determination it requires. However, the remarkable benefits of quitting drinking and drugging are more than worth the effort. There are many lasting, meaningful, and life-changing benefits of sobriety.

#1 Sobriety Saves Money

Many individuals spend hundreds to even thousands a dollar per day on their drug of abuse. Even individuals who party occasionally have been found to spend large amounts of money on nights out with friends. Because of this, it is plain to see how a person struggling with drug or alcohol addiction could spend so much money. Unfortunately, most addicts and alcoholics prioritize buying drugs and alcohol over paying their bills or buying themselves food.

However, when individuals get sober from their addictions, they can begin to save money. Without the responsibility of obtaining their drug of abuse, recovering addicts can begin to save money for items such as housing, clothing, food, and bills. Upon achieving sobriety, you will start to find saving money has become much more manageable.

#2 Making New, Sober Friendships

Individuals suffering from addiction or alcoholism often become isolated from their friends and family. During active bouts of addiction, individuals may become defensive, confrontational, or challenging to be around. As a result, their relationships with family and friends begin to deteriorate. Unfortunately, this causes addicts and alcoholics to feel as if no one cares about them – even when their loved ones continually try to help.

One of the most impactful benefits of sobriety is the way it prompts people to embrace real connections with those around them. Fortunately, sobriety heals feelings of isolation, loneliness, shame, and guilt. As a result, individuals are able to repair damaged relationships and even create new friendships or connections with other recovering addicts. In other words, sobriety improves connections and interactions with others. Additionally, sobriety enables people to open all kinds of doors, which may be emotional, physical, or even financial.

#3 Sobriety Provides you With the Chance to Right Your Wrongs

Everyone has done things that they come to regret later on. Unfortunately, individuals suffering from addiction are more prone to engage in activities that are against their morals. Often, this is due to a lack of inhibition or an overwhelming desire to obtain substances – regardless of consequences. For example, many individuals cheat on their spouses, steal from their loved ones, or betray their friends during their addictions. However, they will begin to feel a great deal of shame and guilt concerning their regrets.

Fortunately, when people become sober they are provided with a chance to right their past wrongdoings. An essential part of recovery, the amends process, allows individuals to repair relationships that have been affected by their drug use and resulting behaviors. For example, if a recovering addict has stolen money from their family in the past, they will have to make amends. Oftentimes, this is done through actions such as making financial compensation for the money they stole. On the other hand, some individuals may have just behaved poorly and strained relationships with their loved ones. When this happens, they typically apologize and promise to make better choices in the future.

#4 Sobriety Allows for a Happier Life

While drugs and alcohol cause temporary feelings of synthetic happiness, they also hinder an individual’s ability to experience pleasure naturally. In fact, there is only a finite amount of dopamine that substances can provide, until the body completely runs out. As a result, individuals may be unable to naturally produce feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and happiness. This causes individuals to become very depressed and in some cases, emotionally numb.

However, when individuals become sober their body begins to heal simultaneously. Over time, recovering addicts will be able to naturally produce dopamine and feel happiness. Additionally, recovering addicts or alcoholics receive therapy and ongoing support that allows and teaches them how to live a happy and successful life.

Begin Your Sobriety Today at Carolina Recovery Center

Getting sober from alcohol or drugs is never an easy task. This is especially true when sobriety is attempted alone. If you or a loved one are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, it may be time to seek help. Attending drug and alcohol addiction treatment provides individuals with the opportunity to experience the beauty of getting sober. Contact one of our addiction treatment specialists at Carolina Recovery Center for more information about our North Carolina treatment programs.