The New High
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 76
The New High
Anyone else think sobriety is in itself a kind of high?
For addicts like myself, being sober is more uncommon than being under the influence. So when we abstain and get sober, that "straight" feeling is actually another kind of buzz to get used to. A clean buzz so to speak. What a trip. It's a battle getting back to being clean one way or the other. I am happy about it, but it just strikes me as such a drastic change that no wonder we all fail most of the times that we try to cross over to that place.
It's a journey I think is worth the effort. At least you get somewhere, which can't be said of repeatedly drinking and drugging every night. Here's to change. Here's to progress.
For addicts like myself, being sober is more uncommon than being under the influence. So when we abstain and get sober, that "straight" feeling is actually another kind of buzz to get used to. A clean buzz so to speak. What a trip. It's a battle getting back to being clean one way or the other. I am happy about it, but it just strikes me as such a drastic change that no wonder we all fail most of the times that we try to cross over to that place.
It's a journey I think is worth the effort. At least you get somewhere, which can't be said of repeatedly drinking and drugging every night. Here's to change. Here's to progress.
Into the Void
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: California
Posts: 931
I think I can relate. For the first few months in, I did feel like I was in a strange and altered state with a new emotional landscape. Definitely not how normal people feel, whatever that is.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Ireland.
Posts: 238
In rational recovery it's called "abstinence commitment effect" or ACE . Described as pleasant and uplifted feelings brought about by having a sense of control over ones destiny and a return of hope once more.
Ye , you could call that a kind of high.
Ye , you could call that a kind of high.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 5,231
its not really for me. But a good high for me would be the rush i get after downing a huge veggie smoothie. All the vitamins such hit me and i get a head rush and a blast of energy. To me thats a healthy kind of high.
Laozi Old Man
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 6,665
Anyone else think sobriety is in itself a kind of high?
I had to go on to experience Emotional Sobriety (aka equanimity) before I began to feel comfortable in my own skin again (without a substance).
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 187
Since sober I appreciate simple things so much more. I used to wake up in the morning, and get out of bed thinking about getting drunk. Now I am happy to have a cup of coffee. Everything is much different, but in a good way. I did not used to even notice the smell of fresh air, but now I love just walking outside, or sitting on my deck, and watching the bunny's hop around the yard playing. Sobriety really is a "high" and honestly a better one.
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
I wouldn't say it's a "high" for me ( being sober ) but it's a hell of a lot better than it was before. I do think i am more sensitive to just about everything now...light, sounds, my body, everything really.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Vashon WA
Posts: 1,035
It's very easy for me to appreciate sobriety. I used to abuse myself so bad. This thread just reminded me of how many mornings I would get up and just know that I wasn't going to be able to get much done, due to the hangover. Or that I'd better get as much done as possible because I felt pretty good so I would probably be getting so hammered that I would be useless the following day. What a sick merry go round.
I did have the Pink Cloud, especially during the first year. Maybe it was the flip side to PAWS? It was a great feeling, but maybe a little over the top, kind of artificial. It felt like a drug. Eventually it went away. Now I feel really high every day but grounded at the same time. Being high on drugs and/or alcohol all the time was what it was, I guess I enjoyed it sometimes but this is so much better!
I did have the Pink Cloud, especially during the first year. Maybe it was the flip side to PAWS? It was a great feeling, but maybe a little over the top, kind of artificial. It felt like a drug. Eventually it went away. Now I feel really high every day but grounded at the same time. Being high on drugs and/or alcohol all the time was what it was, I guess I enjoyed it sometimes but this is so much better!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 370
Not sure I'd call it a "high", but I've really come to appreciate the feeling of being present. I also enjoy that my behavior is very consistent and predictable. Not a description anyone would have used of me when I drank.
One Day At A Time
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Midwest, USA
Posts: 2,054
Originally Posted by NoJimmy 
Not sure I'd call it a "high", but I've really come to appreciate the feeling of being present. I also enjoy that my behavior is very consistent and predictable. Not a description anyone would have used of me when I drank.
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