The Strength in Struggle: Why Pain is Necessary for Growth in Early Sobriety

Hey Sober Family,

When I first tried to get sober, I often asked myself "Why does this hurt so much?" I felt like everyday something bad happened to me and for every step I took forward I ended up falling three steps back. In the beginning I would often have a desire to just escape, give up and run to the bottle. It was hard for me. It was tough. It was a challenge for me to stay sober. But just like any challenge in life, true growth comes from enduring and fighting through. 

For those of you reading this who are in early sobriety, I know it may feel like you are going through one the toughest phases of your life. It's hard, it's painful and at times it feels like you just can't take it anymore. But I want you to know, and I am living proof, the struggle you are going through is not only necessary but also invaluable.

Pain is a Path to Strength

It's easy to look at pain as something to avoid. In active addiction you most likely spent years numbing yourself, running away from pain and avoiding discomfort. But in recovery the pain that you once ran from will help you build resilience and grow.

As I always say, recovery is more than putting down the drink or drug or quitting whatever addiction you have, it is a complete overhaul of how you face life. When a difficult moment pops up in your life and triggers a craving, when your emotions feel too much to handle or when you just want to give up on this sobriety thing, remember that every time you push through you are becoming a stronger you. Each struggle is breaking you down just enough to build you back up, stronger and better than before.

Building Emotional Muscle

Sobriety requires emotional and mental toughness, the kind that can only be built by you facing the challenges to your sobriety head on. When you are starting on your recovery journey emotions that you may have avoided in the pass will resurface. You will feel things intensely, probably for the first time in years. This is tough but like building a muscle, the more you work through these emotions, the more capable you become at managing them without resorting back to alcohol or drugs. 

Embracing the pain doesn't mean you will always live in discomfort. Working through these feelings can actually lead you to a place of peace and joy that numbing them with alcohol or drugs never could.

Why the Struggle is Worth It

Anything worth having in life requires effort and hard work. Sobriety and the life it will bring you is no different. You will find that by pushing through the difficulties, you are not only breaking free from the shackles that addiction had on you, but you will also be discovering version of you that is capable, strong, and deserving of a better life. 

In the moments of struggle, you are building the foundation for a sober life that can weather any storm. And hey while that may feel impossible now, trust me its more than worth it. 

If today is hard, if you are feeling the pressure of recovery, remember that you are getting stronger everyday you are sober. Every day that you choose not to be a victim of your addiction you are one step closer to becoming the person you were meant to be. The person who God put you on this earth to be. One who can live a joyful and fulfilled life without the need to escape it with substances and alcohol.

So, stay the course my brother! Keep fighting my sister! You are worth the fight. Your future self will thank you and so will those who love you!