Is It Cool to be Getting Sober Today?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites that there are six deaths every day from alcohol poisoning. And each year, there are upwards of 88,000 alcohol-related deaths. While alcohol and alcohol use disorders (AUD), as well as substance use disorders (SUD), are becoming more and more prevalent so too are those recovering from alcohol and substance use issues.
In fact, today it almost seems as if it’s becoming ‘trendy’ to be sober. With many famous athletes, musicians, and actors and actresses revealing they’ve sought treatment of alcohol or substance misuse issues, many people are jumping on the sober road of life.
Celebrities in Recovery: Breaking the Stigma?
Athletes like Michael Phelps and Brett Favre, musicians such as Elton John, Demi Lovato, and most recently Justin Beiber, and stars like Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Jada Pinkett Smith are all amongst the many now sober celebrities.
And whether or not these celebrities becoming vocal about their own battles with alcohol and/or drug addiction has made it more acceptable to get help, there’s no doubt that it seems to be in the mainstream to be sober today more than it ever has been in the past.
However, despite its seeming ‘popularity’, seeking treatment and getting sober continue to be a challenging choice for those who are struggling with an AUD or SUD. But each year, people living in the pain and isolation addiction can bring do take the first vital step and get help.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2015 there were more than 21 million Americans over the age of 12 who needed treatment for a substance abuse issue. That same year, only 2.3 million received treatment at a specialty facility.
Not too long ago, the options for recovering from alcohol or substance use issues were slim at best. From being institutionalized to working with the few psychiatrists willing to work with this group the options were limited. In the 1930s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began in Ohio and this movement became the most successful in helping even the most downtrodden alcoholic to recover.
Today, AA is still one of the most if not the most attended alcohol and substance abuse support groups. In fact, many celebrities tout AA as saving their lives and keeping them sober. In 2018, Eminem posted a photo of himself holding a ten year AA coin commemorating his celebration of 10 years of continuous sobriety.
New Ways to Get Sober and Stay Sober
But if you or a loved one wants to get sober, there are many more options today. In fact, those who are not sure they have an AUD or SUD are making the choice to stop drinking and using drugs of any kind.
One of the most popular movements is One Year No Beer. According to their website, this group now boasts more than 70,000 members who are completing either 28, 90, or 365-day challenges to live without consuming alcohol. All three challenges cost various amounts and come with audiobooks, email support, and eBooks, and more. This growing movement is one more reason why it is becoming ‘cool’ to be sober.
In addition to the no alcohol challenges popping up on social media, there has been a surge of books about getting sober, living in recovery, and sober life. Not too long ago the only books about sobriety were those found in AA, today, there are choices for anyone who is interested in learning more about sobriety either for themselves or a loved one.
Some of the most popular books on recovery are 30 Days No Alcohol Challenge, The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, Sober Curious, and This Naked Mind. Each of these books offers a different view on sobriety as well as varying tools for getting sober.
The Most Successful Way to Long-Lasting Recovery
Each of these programs, books, and success stories of celebrities about sobriety and recovery offers inspiration and even tools for recovery. However, it’s important—even vital—if you or a loved one are living with a true alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder to seek help at a reputable addiction treatment center, like Futures Recovery Healthcare, with programs to meet your unique and specific treatment needs.
Long-lasting recovery brings about a life filled with peace, hope, and joy. Investing the time, energy, and resources into the right treatment program to start can make the difference between short-term and long-term recovery.
With so many treatment centers across the nation, there are many to choose from with many offering specialty programs. It’s essential to take an honest look at what your needs are with treatment and find the facility best suited to work with you.
Many with an AUD also have a SUD. it is also common for those with these disorders, one or both, to also have a co-occurring mental health issue. For some people, the stress of their high profile occupations makes it difficult to seek help. There are treatment centers that can meet the needs of varying situations and individuals.
Seeking Help: Find the Treatment Program Best for You
Every individual who comes into addiction treatment has unique circumstances and needs. There are many C-level professionals for whom confidentiality, as well as the ability to continue to perform critical work duties, are important during any treatment program. With these discerning professionals in mind, there is the Orenda Program at Futures which caters to the unique needs of this group.
There are those two who find themselves with co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more. A treatment center with experience and success in treating this type of individual is crucial for someone who is experiencing this situation.
And there are those too who want a whole new approach to life in recovery or who want to continue staying active during not only their treatment but in their long-term sobriety. For these people, the Experiential Therapy Program is quite literally a lifesaver. This activity-based, experiential program helps clients discover new skills and hobbies as well as push themselves to step outside of their comfort zones and build confidence while finding new ways to live and enjoy life to its fullest in sobriety.
Learning new ways to live—sober—is a huge part of any recovery program. Old habits, friends, activities, and even living situations are often connected with former ways of life, ways that involved alcohol or other substances. With sobriety comes a new chapter in an individual’s life. A treatment center that makes acquiring these new skills, interests, and friends part of the program is key to long-lasting recovery.
There are alumni programs at many addiction treatment centers that help clients once they leave treatment. Some of these programs are little more than receiving a few names and numbers on a list while others actively welcome former clients back, have monthly alumni meetings, plan sober activities, and even come together to celebrate sobriety anniversaries.
Futures is dedicated to not only helping their clients in early recovery but also to providing a continuum for long-term recovery support for alumni. The Days of Ascent event, which takes place over a two day period along with the alumni meeting and sober outing, unites those alumni with long-lasting recovery with those in early recovery. Based on the premise of giving back to keep what you have (sobriety) this event helps not only the newly sober but also those with years of sobriety to further strengthen their recovery. These are all vital components of long-term, joyful recovery.
And while the treatment program and follow up care are critical for enjoying life in recovery from alcohol or drugs, it’s often the first step that’s the most difficult to take. If you or someone you love is living with an AUD or SUD please know there is hope and there is help. It may be encouraging and helpful to read about the journey to sobriety from one of the athletes or celebrities mentioned here.
Lifelong recovery is possible and it starts with the first step—asking for help. Futures is here for you and your loved one with the help you need. Contact us confidentially online or by phone at 561-475-1804.
