Can Toxic Relationships Kill Your Sobriety?

In many different types of support groups, there is something called a "buddy system," in which participants are connected with another person who they can contact at any time of the day or night. Your addiction recovery process may include some challenging times, and you can count on your support buddy to get you through them. They are fully aware of the incessant urges to drink, which can strike at the most inopportune moments, and can encompass a variety of symptoms, including the following:

  • You hear a song on the radio while you're driving, and it reminds you of a particularly enjoyable evening with your drinking friends.
  • Or you see a TV ad for vodka where all the beautiful people are laughing and having fun, and you want to be there, too.
  • Maybe it's the sound of ice tinkling in a glass that you hear when you're out at a restaurant with your colleagues from work, and your mind races to the sound of liquor sloshing over ice cubes.
  • Maybe it's the smell of cigarette smoke and booze you detect as you pass the bar section on your way to the restroom.
  • You're home alone and feeling sorry for yourself. You can't stop the negative thoughts from running through your head.
  • Your drinking pals call or show up to get you to party with them, and your resolve starts to falter.

Keep in mind that in order to keep your sobriety, you need to put in the work each and every day. It isn't always simple, but neither it is always incredibly challenging. There will be days that are more challenging than others. Taking your sobriety one day at a time is essential to achieving success in this endeavor. It makes no difference if you are not religious, spiritual, or believe in a higher power in terms of your morality. It is essential that you have unwavering faith in both your own identity and your capacity to carry out the decision you have made to abstain from substance use.

You have been known to get down on your knees before, and it wasn't all that long ago. You have gained an understanding of what it is like to live a life devoid of alcohol, and guess what? You were the source of your own power and resolve, and you were successful. Every day, recommit to what you've said you'll do. When you get up, you should say it out loud to yourself. Put the conscious thought in the forefront of your mind so that you may refer to it whenever you start to experience the need or craving to drink at any time of the day or night. Try to divert your attention. Dial up your support system or get in touch with your reliable buddies. Never give in to feelings of self-pity or depression, and never spend too much time alone.

Just take it one day at a time. That's the only thing that's needed. Remember this in the future. You have survived to the present day. This day will eventually turn into tomorrow. Staying sober is in your best interest for the rest of your life when you are in recovery.