Being new to sobriety can make us feel proud of ourselves. We’ve challenged a really big disease, and as a result, gained new freedom. Some of us can be impulsive with our wants and desires. It’s been such a long time since we felt good and we don’t want to waste any more time denying ourselves. This can be a euphoric state in which we make decisions that later may cause us to feel distressed and overwhelmed, which may lead to a relapse.

Taking sobriety slowly is a good idea. It’s hard to ignore feeling close to someone new at a meeting. In just a short time, having coffee with them can lead to a relationship. New love relationships in sobriety can entangle us in emotions and drama when we need to focus most of all on our sobriety. The same goes for something big like getting a new job, or a master’s degree. It’s not that we don’t deserve new opportunities. These are suggestions not rules. After all, we are in charge of our recovery.  

There’s no way we want to put a damper on our dreams. Before we jump into something new, it’s a good idea, to ask ourselves whether there’s a chance the endeavor will hinder our new-found well-being. Sometimes we just don’t know—until we do. Healthy decision-making is paramount to a long-lasting recovery.

When we are new in recovery we can be vulnerable to negative outside forces. We may think Jeff down the street is trying to help our job situation. He’s got a great money-making idea, which turns out to be a scam.

Before we start making big decisions, we may need to tend to the parts of ourselves dragged down by the disease of alcoholism. We can be curious as to why we became an alcoholic in the first place? Since we got sober, are all areas in our life secure and shipshape? Alcoholism blotted out who we once were. Who are we now that we’re sober. Are we grounded enough to handle the change that accompanies our decision?

To make healthy decisions we can research and learn as much as we can about whatever it is we want. Run the idea by people we trust and listen to their perspectives. Be open to their caution, suggestions and other ideas. Be patient with ourselves. Is the plan realistic? Think whether the new adventure, object or relationship will distract us from our first priority—staying sober.

Evidence-based and built with passion. Our primary purpose at The Kimberly Center is to assist those who are suffering in finding recovery. Restoring a healthier, happier, more productive life, graduates of our program find themselves free from substance dependence and destructive behavior. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)