One famous RV YouTuber recently shared her inspiring story of getting clean and sober with her viewers. Her story is a great reminder of the importance of healthy living and being in control. If you or someone you love has ever struggled with addiction, you know how hard and damaging it can be.
Today, we’ll share some information on drug and alcohol dependency and helpful resources for anyone wanting to enjoy a clean and sober life.
Let’s get started!
One RV YouTuber’s Journey to Becoming Clean and Sober
In her video “How I Got Clean and Sober Before my RV Life,” Carolyn from the YouTube Channel Carolyn’s RV Life shares her sobriety story. She shares the ups and downs of her battle with addiction and how it impacted her life.
Her drinking and reckless behavior became a very dangerous way for her to live. Dinner with her mom, also an addict, woke her up to where she would likely be in 20 years.
A short time later, joining the “Big Brother/Big Sister” program became a huge motivation for her to get sober.
Carolyn started attending AA meetings to help her recover, but it wasn’t for her. She then found the book How to Quit Drinking Without AA, exactly what she needed to quit cold turkey. She credits a tremendous amount of her success to the book and encourages others struggling with addiction to read it.
What Does It Mean to Be Clean and Sober?
The definitions of clean and sober can be confusing. This is because the two largest recovery groups, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), use different terminology.
Being sober is typically a recovery mindset where an individual is clear-headed and level in thinking. They’re able to make sound decisions and show restraint. So someone who says they are “sober” could be referring to being free of alcohol or drugs.
On the other hand, someone saying they are “clean” means they are free of drugs. And they’re likely not participating in a recovery program or group to help them stay clean. Those describing themselves as clean may face increased risks of relapse due to a lack of support and educational resources.
Is There a Link Between Trauma and Addiction?
The more research done on addiction, the more scientists can understand and treat it. Researchers have spent a considerable amount of time, energy, and money studying whether trauma, specifically childhood trauma, plays a significant role in an individual becoming an addict.
Negative experiences while an individual’s brain is developing can harm its development. Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services references on its website the research done in this area. They share that individuals who experience high levels of stress at early ages face increased vulnerability to substance abuse disorders.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences study looked at 17,000 Kaiser Permanente patients and had some interesting discoveries. The results showed that those who experience domestic violence and other stress-inducing experiences are more likely to deal with substance abuse and impulse control disorders.
These findings are some of the primary reasons addiction and recovery researchers emphasize the importance of healthy family dynamics. Having a healthy home environment won’t guarantee a life free of substance abuse or impulse control disorders. But it certainly reduces the chances.
What Treatment Options Are Available to Become Clean and Sober?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment for helping someone get clean and sober. While treating addiction isn’t easy, it’s not impossible. Because everyone’s recovery is different, several types of treatments exist.
Some of the more well-known types of treatment are self-help groups and 12-step programs. These help individuals see they’re not alone in their journey and can provide a tremendous support system.
A few other types of treatment options are detoxification, cognitive behavior therapy, and treatment with medication can be effective. However, these types of treatment typically require assistance from medical professionals. Managing withdrawal and chemical imbalances can be extremely challenging and require experts to minimize the effects.
The final type of treatment is contingency management treatment. In this treatment, the patient receives tangible rewards for positive behavior. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states this type of treatment is extremely effective at helping with relapse tendencies.
Why Do People Relapse After Years of Being Clean and Sober?
Unfortunately, relapsing is a common experience for many addicts. Those in recovery often spend the rest of their lives in fear of returning to dependency. It can be overwhelming to think about the possibility of ruining years of work. For many addicts, the road to recovery is a lifelong journey, and there are many reasons why addicts relapse.
Some of the most common reasons people relapse are exposure to triggers, increased levels of stress, and interpersonal problems. A few other causes include peer pressure, lack of support, and pain. Whether the pain is physical or mental is irrelevant. The pain these individuals feel is real and can lead to relapse.
Those in recovery can experience triggers for the rest of their lives. Smells, sounds, and visiting places can all cause triggers that increase the chances of a relapse. Being successful in recovery means being aware of and acknowledging any potential triggers that could lead to relapse.
What Role Does Therapy Play in Being Clean and Sober?
Therapy is a critical part of any successful substance abuse recovery plan. Therapy allows these individuals the opportunity to heal in a variety of ways. This could mean participating in group therapy, one-on-one therapy, and family counseling. Therapy can provide not only the addict with education and information but also their support system.
By participating in therapy, addicts and their support system can better understand addiction. Therapy can help addicts to understand and identify motives, triggers, and potential warning signs. It can also be a great way to develop healthy alternatives to substance abuse.
You Can Be More Powerful Than Addiction With Support
Addiction is powerful. It can drive people to do and say things they never thought possible. However, it doesn’t mean it has to control you. If you’re struggling with dependence, get help. Find a support group or resources that can help you in your journey to becoming clean and sober. And, remember, you’re not alone.
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