Where’s the metamorphosis?

For many people, life has to become quite overwhelming, scary, frustrating or sad in order for the difficult decision to get sober to occur and stick. When a person makes that commitment to really try, often there are high expectations for the impact this decision will have on their life. Many feel so sure that because so many of their problems revolve around their substance use, quitting is sure to make life so much better. While it is true that sobriety does open the door to true happiness, it is unrealistic to think that it alone will get you there. One of my favorite sayings is, “Sobriety can’t get you to heaven, but it can release you from hell.” Getting sober is only the first step on the path. It then becomes necessary for the individual to figure out how to heal the wounds that have required covering up for so long. So, if you decide to get sober, feel good about that decision, but don’t expect that alone to solve all the problems in your life. However, know that you have taken the first and most important step on that journey. Enjoy the “Honeymoon period,” when that decision really does make you feel so much better. But, be prepared that more work lies ahead and that complacency becomes the enemy.