Believing is Not Enough

Most of us know that 
abuse of drugs and abuse of alcohol leaves the brain demanding more.

Many of us believe ~
Just Stop! And carry on with life like the rest of us do.

What many do not know is that
early sobriety does not bring emotional security with it.

What many cannot know or feel is
waving, spiking moods with rages or tears or just plain numb
the wondrous clear eyed days of energy and motivation
unpredictable or non-existent sleep
waking up knowing that your life is your own again
tripping and staggering when not drunk or stoned
playing hop-scotch with your children without a miss
nightmares and dreams noisy with past days and nights of drinking or drugging.
Many a good nights sleep.

Early sobriety does not equal emotional security.
Emotional security can be built.
Day by day
Friend by friend
Self-help or professional - or maybe both

Detoxing is the easy part.
The first years of sobriety are a challenge.
The first years and all that follow are living life like the rest of the world.

“People still question my sobriety, my commitment to the program, 

and that hurts. I take things day by day, and sometimes I take them 

minute by minute, but I honour my commitment to stay sober.”

~ Tom Arnold