When we take alcohol away we start to feel everything really strongly. There's no getting away from that. Alcohol numbs emotion, so when we take it away we just get really emotional. This tip video gives you some ideas of how to cope with those strong emotions when you're first getting used to being sober.
The first thing to do is to not panic. It's ok to be feeling strongly about something and chances are those emotions won't kill you. Try to practice acceptance and simply allow those feelings to be there.
Be curious about what you're feeling and try to bring and open and enquiring energy towards your feelings. What are they telling you about your current circumstances? Admire your emotion's ability to communicate to you about what you're truly feeling.
Understand that feeling negative emotions, while uncomfortable, is important and natural. We're not built to feel great all of the time and life isn't like that. Everyone experiences things like sadness, anger, frustration and grief. These emotions exist for a reason and can usually teach us a lot.
Trust that over time uncomfortable emotions will shift and fade. Trust that you will get through this that ups and downs are a part of life. Having said that, if the emotions coming up are overwhelming and you're really struggling - reach out for proper help. There are loads of lovely, trained people available around our communities just waiting to help. There is no shame in reaching out, far from it - knowing when to get help and actually reaching out for it is incredibly smart and brave.
Very helpful.thanks
I just came across this and it was reassuring. Although I should have made this connection myself, I hadn’t really taken on board that dealing with difficult feelings would take on a very different quality without the numbing effect of booze. It is so logical, yet I don’t think I was really aware enough. It helps make sense of things more – so thank you again @mrsd.
jude.cressey@gmail.com
I’m sick to death drinking. Got sober 8 months then mum passed. I had a lack of support being an only child (lost my sister at 16…she was 20 to cancer. I’m a single mum with one child who is at uni. I brought him up well on my own and he comes first. Then I met some crazy men…I now desperately want to sober…for my son also. My immediate family all gone and I couldn’t believe who wasn’t there to help. Well aware now. I need help
Sounds really rough. I contacted my local dhb and they have free alcohol and drug addiction counselling which helped me.
This couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks for posting this! xoxo
Day 21 for me. I’m male, and though you seem to have a largely female audience, your words help me enormously.