Drugs and alcohol negatively impact our mind and body. They throw our body off balance, can make us do things we wouldn’t necessarily do when we’re sober, and even though they may make us feel good in the moment, that feeling doesn’t last. One of the reasons you (or someone you know whose addicted to drugs or alcohol) can’t stop using is probably because you’re constantly chasing the high. That ‘feel good’ moment. Unfortunately, we can tell you that you’ll never feel 100% satisfied with getting high. You’re chasing something that can truly never be achieved. No one is going to feel good all the time, that’s just part of life.
Now that we’ve established that we can’t fill an emotional void with drugs or alcohol, let’s talk about getting sober. Trust us when we say, your life will change immensely. The unknown can be scary, especially without the aid of drugs and alcohol, but getting sober is the best thing you can do for yourself and everyone around you.
Why Should You Get Sober?
Whether we want to admit it or not, our actions affect other people. If you drank too much the night before your sibling’s graduation and don’t show up, your sibling will be disappointed. If your friend is counting on you to pick them up from somewhere because they don’t have a car, and you forget because you’re high, they’re going to be disappointed. Being able to rely on others for help or assistance is a fundamental part of modern-day society. If you spend most of your day getting high or drunk, you probably aren’t the most reliable. By getting sober, you can become a dependable friend and family member.
You also deserve to get sober for yourself. Addiction is totally consuming no matter what stage you’re at. Even if you only drink alcohol at night, you’re probably thinking about that first drink you’ll have all day. If you’re addicted to prescription pills, the thought of running out probably looms over your head like a dark rain cloud.
Benefits of Sobriety
Sobriety will improve your quality of life. Some ways your life will change by getting sober are:
You can reach your professional potential: When you get sober you can think clearly. Your thoughts are no longer hazed by drugs. While you’re getting high, you probably don’t care much about your job. A job is just a means to make money to spend on drugs and alcohol. After you get sober, you’ll see that a job is more than just a way to make money. A job is something you can be passionate about and progress in. Most jobs have goals and milestones set in place for their employees to achieve so they can get promoted and make more money. Sobriety will give you the ability to reach and exceed professional goals.
You will have a new purpose in life: A big part of sobriety is giving back to others. Becoming sober isn’t easy and it’s definitely something to be proud of. When you get sober you will have the chance to help others start a recovery journey. The knowledge you gain on your own journey can be passed down to others. By doing this you’re probably going to end up saving someone’s life.
You’ll feel much better physically: Addiction is mentally and physically exhausting. And let’s be real here, you’re probably not going to the gym or meditating when you’re getting high. By getting sober you’re giving yourself a chance to actually feel good (not the temporary getting high good). You’ll sleep better and have more energy to get things done during the day.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, don’t wait to get help. Your life will be so much better when you’re sober.
Let Us Help!
At Soba Recovery, we are excited to be one of the main drug and alcohol treatment services serving the Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX areas. Our professionals have an extensive amount of training and experience, allowing them to provide specialized services to patients. Our detox and inpatient treatment services help clients battle addiction and proceed on the road to recovery. Our specialized luxury addiction treatment program leverages proven, traditional treatment methods, and combines them with innovative therapies. The main goal of our program is to help our participants overcome substance abuse permanently. If you would like to learn more about our addiction recovery and treatment program, please contact us today!
You feel like you’re at the end of the road. You’re tired, broke, and honestly annoyed at life. You’ve been using the same drug over and over again, and finally, want to stop. You want the freedom during the day to do whatever you want instead of thinking about how you’ll score more drugs. Congratulations, you’re ready to get sober.
During your journey in sobriety, you may experience cravings from time to time. This is a common part of recovery so don’t be scared if you feel one. Cravings are completely manageable with the right tools and coping skills.
What are Drug Cravings?
A craving is the term used to describe the urge to use alcohol or drugs once someone is sober. For certain people, the most severe cravings take place during the detox process. During detox, addicts will go through withdrawals. The symptoms of withdrawal will vary slightly from person to person as addiction impacts everyone differently, but common symptoms include fevers, shaking, chills, emotional lability, and discomfort. The urge to use drugs or alcohol to make these symptoms go away is a craving.
Once you’ve detoxed, the withdrawal symptoms are not going to be as severe but you are still at risk to feel the urge to use drugs or drink alcohol from time to time. Withdrawals will go away after the toxins leave your body but you can still experience cravings. Just because you feel a craving doesn’t mean you won’t stay sober, it’s a matter of how you react to the craving.
How to Handle a Craving
If you feel a craving coming on, there are a few steps you can take to combat the craving. Taking the proper steps will help keep you sober.
Be aware: Before you can shake off a craving, you’ll have to know you’re experiencing one. Cravings can feel different for everyone but some common craving symptoms are irritability, feeling like you have an imaginary itch you can’t scratch, and frequent thoughts of using drugs or alcohol. If you experience these feelings it’s important to check in with yourself and identify the root of them. Maybe you haven’t attended a 12-step meeting all week and now it’s Friday, or maybe you’ve been around friends lately who drink and do drugs. After you identify the root cause, you’ll realize you’re having a craving.
Ways to cope: Once the feeling is recognized, the next step is to find a way to cope. How you cope with cravings is totally up to you. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. Some people find it helpful to call a friend or sober companion and talk about the feeling. Other people find it helpful to meditate. Shifting your focus to something else like exercising or writing can be helpful as well. Just be careful to not distract yourself too much from the feeling because you may end up brushing it under the rug, instead of dealing with it.
Seek support: One of the most effective ways to handle a craving is by seeking support from others. A huge component of drug and alcohol treatment is various types of therapies. If you’ve completed any form of treatment, you probably engaged in group therapy, individual therapy, and support groups types of therapy. Therapy and support groups shouldn’t just be isolated to treatment as recovery is a lifelong battle. Completing a comprehensive aftercare program post-treatment will help immensely with cravings.
Let Us Help!
At Soba Recovery, we are one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs based in the San Antonio, TX and Mesa, AZ regions. Our detox and inpatient treatment programs help clients overcome addiction and take back control of their lives. Our premier luxury program that combines traditional addiction treatment with modern therapies to help our participants in overcoming substance abuse for good. If you are interested in finding out more about how our team can help you overcome addiction, please contact us!
Addiction: a commonly heard word that is often misunderstood. Addiction knows no prejudice and can manifest in many ways. Some people may currently be sliding down the path to addiction and not know it. Other people might be stuck in the cycle of drug abuse and addiction with no idea of how to escape.
The first step on the road to recovery is admitting you have a problem and ask for help. We know this is easier said than done. To help you get started, we want to let you know what to expect when deciding to get sober.
What To Expect During Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery is a challenging and exciting journey for those who have been struggling with drug abuse or alcoholism. It’s normal to be nervous and anxious during this time. Using drugs has become your new normal and facing sobriety, the unknown is scary. Below are a few things you can anticipate on the road to recovery:
A New Life: One of the first things that everyone should expect during this journey is that there is going to be a new life. In order for people to truly conquer their addiction, they need to figure out the root of the problem and eradicate it. As a result of this, you’ll feel like your entire life has been turned upside down. And that’s ok.
Better Relationships: You can also expect better and stronger personal relationships. Many of your old relationships with friends will be left behind and that’s also ok. During this process, the bad friends will be weeded out and the good ones will stick by your side during recovery. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people who will support your recovery.
Gratification: Finally, people who make the decision to get sober should also expect a hard but worthwhile challenge. Nobody ever said that beating addiction is easy but you’ll feel a sense of gratification once you achieve it. No one can hand you your sobriety, it’s something you earn on your own. You won’t regret making the decision to get better, find sobriety, and become happy.
How to Get Started on the Journey to Sobriety
If you want to get sober and don’t know where to start, a good first step is admitting you have a problem to someone and asking for help. There are friends and family members who are going to be there no matter what. They’ve been there through the good times and the bad. If you don’t feel like there is someone in your life you can currently lean on, you can turn to a trained treatment center professional. They can answer any questions you have and point you in the direction of the right course of treatment for you.
Allow Us to Help You!
At Soba recovery, we’re a drug and alcohol recovery program that offers treatment from our Soba Mesa rehab center in Mesa, Arizona as well as our Soba Texas rehab center in San Antonio, TX. We’ve expanded our capabilities to ensure we offer both detox and inpatient treatment for addiction. We are here to help people get started on the journey to sobriety. We offer a unique program that combines traditional treatment with modern therapies. We have found that this helps our clients overcome substance abuse for good. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, you can still rehabilitate your life and have fun. You can abstain from drugs and alcohol and enjoy concerts, the great outdoors, festivals, and fairs. This is especially true if you’re recovering in Texas.
Everyone is familiar with the saying “Everything is bigger in Texas”, so we are sure that you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that applies to even our tourist spots. Texas is as diverse as it is huge. There is quite a lot to see and do inside the Alamo City no matter what time of day it is. In addition to the state’s many cities, coastal beaches, mountain ranges, deserts, and state parks, the Lone Star State also has a wealth of activities to enjoy. Whether you choose to explore their lovely zoo with more than 750+ species within 56 acres or the state’s historic sites, esteemed museums, rodeos, country music festivals, or its wide range of other attractions, it won’t take you long to realize that there’s a lot to do in Texas.
Being under the influence isn’t the only way you can enjoy yourself. Albeit, finding activities or entertainment that doesn’t revolve around being under the influence can be difficult if you don’t know where to look, and to help you narrow down some of your options, here are a few of the Lone Star State’s top sober activities.
The Top Sober Activities You Shouldn’t Miss In Texas
1. Discover New Adventures at Natural Bridge Caverns
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, channel your inner Indiana Jones and visit the Natural Bridge Caverns. These caverns, which were discovered more than 50 years ago, feature more than 10,000 unique geological formations.
In March 1960, four St. Mary University students were convinced that large underground passages existed under the 60-foot limestone bridge from which the caverns are named. After obtaining permission to explore the area, they climbed and crawled into the darkness and discovered 2 miles of vast caves and cavern passages. Eleven years later, the passageways became a national natural landmark.
Today, people from all over the world come to see the cavern’s unique mineral formations. You can also explore newly uncovered passages. Whether you choose to go on a discovery expedition, explore hidden passages, or take a private tour, Texas’ premier natural attraction will give you a look beneath the earth’s surface that’s sure to leave you in awe. You can also find a wide range of sober activities to enjoy above the caverns. The surface attractions include:
Ziplines
Mining and panning for gems
A 5,000-square-foot maze
A treetop climbing adventure
You can also check out the Natural Bridge Caverns’ event page for a list of upcoming activities as well.
2. Get Physically Fit and Reconnect With Mother Nature At Big Bend National Park
You can commune with nature and get some exercise by walking and hiking through Big Bend National Park. The park, which borders Mexico, has some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the state, including 1,200 different plant species. Big Bend National Park also offers spectacular views of canyons, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande River.
Even though Big Bend is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, the park is also a perfect place to:
Birdwatch. The park is home to more than 450 different species of birds.
Stargaze. As a certified international dark sky park, Big Bend has one of the darkest skies in the continental US, which makes it an ideal place for stargazing enthusiasts.
Go camping. If you love the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home on Big Bend’s beautiful campgrounds.
Paddle along the Rio Grande River and spend a little time wading in the water on warm summer days.
Picnic. Whether you choose to enjoy a healthy snack off the beaten path, near the campgrounds or along a walking trail, Big Bend is a wonderful place to sit back, enjoy the weather, reconnect with mother nature, and count your blessings.
Scenic Drives. If you’re not in the mood to hike, you can also hop in your car, hit the road, and explore the park’s gorgeous vitas on one of Big Bend’s many scenic drives.
3. Unleash Your Inner Artist At Cadillac Ranch
Even though Cadillac Ranch was created all the way back in 1974 by a group of unconventional artists known as the Ant Farm group, today, the Texas attraction is more popular than ever. This seemingly odd attraction consisting of 10 Cadillac cars covered in multicolored graffiti which are half-buried in the ground is now one of Texas’ most iconic sites. Because everyone adds their own creative mark to the Cadillacs in the ground, the artwork on the vehicles is an ever-changing canvas. The site is free to visit and you are more than welcome to unleash your inner artist or tell your own story on the Cadillacs themselves. In other words, feel free to spray paint your own design on the cars. If you’re feeling especially creative, bring your own spray paint. If this is an impromptu trip, you can find spray paint cans of all colors left on the ground from thousands of other people who have also shared their artistry at Cadillac Ranch.
4. Enjoy Your Sobriety at Sans Bar, A Sober Bar In Austin, Texas
Created by addiction counselor Chris Marshall, Sans Bar is the first sober bar in Austin, Texas. After setting up a GoFundMe in 2015 because he grew tired of watching people he loved die from addiction, Marshall created Sans Bar, Texas’ first alcohol-free bar.
“Over and over, I watched clients and friends struggle and relapse, returning to alcohol, in part because they felt socially isolated,” Marshall explained. “Sometimes, tragically, it ended in death.” Today, Sans Bar helps adults socialize while staying sober. The sober bar offers mocktails and a wide range of entertainment such as karaoke nights, live music, sober sports viewing, and drag shows. But Sans Bar is more than just a place with great drinks and good food.
Sans Bar also remains open throughout the day for the local community in Austin offering services that can improve your physical, mental and spiritual health. Some of the bar’s community-oriented recovery services include:
Designed and built in 1929, the Majestic Theater was the largest theater in Texas for many years and the second-largest motion picture theater in the country. Today, the Majestic Theater is considered to be one of the most elaborate theaters in the country and is San Antonio’s premier performing arts facility. Even though the theater is known for its Broadway shows, you can also enjoy a concert, comedy show, and other live events taking place in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
The Majestic Theater is also nestled in the heart of San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk area, where visitors can wind past restaurants and shops following the San Antonio River. Just steps from the Riverwalk is the legendary Alamo, arguably the most famous historic site in Texas, as well as other attractions such as the Briscoe Western Art Museum and Artspace San Antonio.
6. Visit the Farmers Market at the Pearl
Think of the farmers market at pearl as a Boston creme donut enticing and inviting on the outside, but absolutely amazing on the inside. With almost 20 friendly merchants and dealers selling things like hot food for on the go-to standard jewelry, there is undoubtedly something for everybody inside. The pearl district is not lacking in picturesque beauty in the landscape and design so you can never get bored with the layout while you explore. This community gathering is actually dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and fun for the entire family without being horribly expensive. Feel free to wake up and start your day there, coffee in your hand, and central downtown just a few blocks away if you would enjoy more solidarity. There is something for all kinds of people in this market.
7. See a Rodeo
You don’t have to be a farm-raised cowboy to enjoy a rodeo and some good ole fashioned roughhousing. Make your way over to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo during the month of February and March, or perhaps the Teja Rodeo which is from the spring to the end of fall; to enjoy bull-riding, barrel racing, and calf roping. Live music is also happily included with the admission price, along with the chance to ride an infamous mechanical bull or you could get your shoes shined if you aren’t one for roughhousing. There are still activities available for those who aren’t seeking a quick thrill and prefer to relax in their downtime, like the hayrides or an armadillo race.
8. Visit The Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Taverns is just as mysterious and mystical as the name suggests. They distribute alcohol of course but there is still plenty to do for those who don’t drink! There is delectable food waiting for you at the pub, so don’t be hesitant when it comes to grabbing a seat! Food and drinks aren’t the only things that await you at the pub either, be sure to catch a fantastic musical act for the night before heading home. Whether you are here accompanied by your loved ones or for business, you are undoubtedly going to enjoy your visit to The Esquire Tavern.
9. Get your game on with Knight Watch Games
San Antonio is happy to cater to all tastes and if your tastes happen to be competitive cards/board games such as Dungeons And Dragons or Game Of Thrones in a hall that could make the most professional of game designers jealous-Then Knight Watch is definitely down your alley. With an amazing combo of a gaming hall for you to play to your heart’s content, a game shop for you to purchase your own games to play in the future, and a clothing shop to dress the part of any renaissance role you see fit-Knight Watch is a personal getaway for anyone who enjoys thoughtful games and trials that kicks the brain into motion. Knight Watch accepts all visitors with open arms whether you come by yourself or with friends.
10. Explore your artistic side with ArtPace
Are you on the artistic side? Find yourself marveling at art? Then the ArtPace is the place for you! The museum is definitely an acquired taste, full to the brim with contemporary art. Nine artists are invited to live there and work throughout the year, three from different parts of Texas and others from different parts of the United States and the world. One of their most recent partnerships was with Austin Eastciders in “Cider Sessions” where they distributed free cider and visitors were invited to see just how artists were able to create their pieces. ArtPace does not charge any admission money and prides itself on being open to all parts of the public. All in all, if you lean more on the creative side ArtPace will be a memorable trip to take.
San Antonio is primarily known for the Alamo, however, that does not mean that there aren’t other fun things to do when moseying through town besides drinking. It is also the home to many amusement parks such as Six flags, the wet and wild SeaWorld, as well as the famous river walk. Addiction recovery can be difficult, but we are more than willing to show you the best of the best in San Antonio; So you can reward yourself and take the vacation that you deserve while maintaining your sobriety.
Other Ways to Have Sober Fun in Texas
One of the biggest challenges that people are going to face on this journey is figuring out how to have fun. Let’s face it: drugs and alcohol are often used at parties to facilitate fun. The good news is that there are plenty of other ways to have fun in sobriety.
The area around San Antonio, TX is filled with great ways to have fun. Now that people are sober, this is a time to take risks appropriately, having fun without breaking the rules. This is very different (but fulfilling!) from the type of fun people have while drunk or under the influence of drugs.
San Antonio is known for its natural beauty. You can go hiking for the first time and explore the great outdoors. If you’re an adrenaline ‘junkie’, take a trip skydiving in the local area. Why not also take a risk and try to meet new people? One of the most important things people have to accomplish when they attain sobriety is finding new relationships that are going to help them maintain that sobriety. Meeting new people is a great way to do exactly that.
In general, people can have fun in sobriety by doing the things that “normal” people do. While “normal” is just a social construct, we’re talking about the stuff you probably wouldn’t have done while you were getting high, like riding a bike. You probably weren’t going to the movies either with friends while you were using but it’s actually very fun. You’ll be surprised at the joy that ensues while picking out candy and popcorn.
Try Picking Up an Old Hobby
There are plenty of people who still wish they could do something from their days as a child. This might mean an old sport, playing a musical instrument, or learning a second language. These are all great sober hobbies that you can do with your new free time that’s no longer being monopolized by addiction. It’s also important to reconnect with hobbies that remind you of what you were like before you started using drugs or alcohol.
Why Having Fun in Sobriety Matters
The journey to sobriety is challenging. Tears, anger, and hurdles to overcome are usually involved but it’s worth it. People in recovery work extremely hard for their sobriety and deserve to have fun. Happy and healthy individuals are less likely to relapse as well.
Let Us Help You Find Fun in Sobriety!
Here at Soba Recovery, we’re proud to call Texas home. We wholeheartedly believe that with professional addiction treatment you can thrive in every area of your life: physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, and socially. Participating in sober activities can help you:
Relieve stress
Improve your physical fitness
Meet new people with similar interests and values
Change your outlook on life
Improve your overall well being
Reduce your risk of relapse
We provide a wide variety of detox and inpatient treatment options for substance abuse. We also offer a unique luxury program that combines traditional treatment and modern therapies to assist clients on the path to addiction recovery and sobriety. Please contact us today if you would like to learn more about our service!
If you are thinking about getting sober, then you need to check out the story below. Addiction is a serious disease that impacts countless people all over the world. It has a way of slowly, gradually wrapping its claws around someone before it swallows them whole. Often, there is collateral damage that goes right along with addiction. This comes in the form of family members, friends, career problems, and a damaged reputation. Fortunately, when someone makes the decision to get sober, there are major changes that take place in that person’s life. If you are thinking about seeking addiction treatment and trying to find sobriety, it is important to think about the major changes that take place when you seek help for substance abuse.
Your Friendships Are Going to Change
Anyone who spends time drinking or doing drugs inevitably will surround themselves with people who do the same. This is simply the law of attraction. If you drink on a regular basis, you likely hang out with people who do the same. There is a reputation during high school and college that people are more fun when they drink. They call alcohol the social lubricant and it can help people stand out. This is also a nice way to blend in with the crowd.
On the other hand, too much alcohol can destroy someone’s life. People need to be sober. This is where people find meaningful relationships, build a career, and enjoy their family. Therefore, if you make the decision to stop drinking, you are going to find new friends. Some people might be a bit skeptical about your decision to stop drinking entirely; however, those who support you will continue to stand by you. Along the way, you will make new friends as well.
You Will Split Checks More Often
When you drink, you might find that you care more about splitting the checks evenly. When you drink, the bill ends up costing about the same all the way around. Alcohol is expensive and, when everyone drinks, the cost has a way of evening out. When you stop drinking, you will find that you spend way less money.
As a result, when you go out to eat, you are going to care about splitting the check a bit more. You might even find that you are hesitant to fund the alcohol industry. You may develop a moral opposition to this. There is nothing wrong with this. When you make an effort to find sobriety through addiction treatment, your life is going to change. That is what is supposed to happen. You should embrace this.
You Will Find New Hobbies
Those who like to drink tend to go out in the evenings and do exactly that. If you have an addiction to alcohol, you might also spend your days doing this as well. The point of addiction treatment is to find a way to break this habit. This means trying to find the root causes of why you were driven to drink (or use drugs) in the first place. As a result, your hobbies are going to change as well. Instead of spending your time drinking, you are going to spend your time doing other things. Prepare to find new hobbies.
At first, you might find that you are an introvert. You may spend more time doing things like watching Netflix. That is fine. You are learning to branch out and find new hobbies. Over time, as you make new friends and spend time with your family, you might be pushed to try other things. Do this. Embrace it. This is the chance for you to experience life without alcohol.
You Will Be Asked Why You Don’t Drink
Finally, be prepared for this one. People are going to ask you why you don’t drink. After all, most people who don’t go through addiction cannot imagine suffering from it themselves. They think, “that will never happen to me!” You know all too well that addiction can swallow anyone. Therefore, be prepared when people ask you why you don’t drink. At first, you might find this uncomfortable. You may even decline to answer. That’s okay! That is your right. Over time, you will become more comfortable coming to terms with why you can’t drink. This is all a part of the recovery process. Once people understand, they will support your decision. They will even watch out for you. Embrace this support system.
Rely on the Trained Professionals at Soba Recovery
At Soba Recovery, we are a substance abuse, drug, and alcohol treatment program with locations in Mesa, AZ, and San Antonio, TX. We provide professional detox and inpatient treatment for addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.
One of the biggest challenges that people are going to face on this journey is figuring out how to have fun. Let’s face it: drugs and alcohol are often used at parties to facilitate fun. The good news is that there are plenty of other ways to have fun in sobriety.