I’m Sober but I’m Still Miserable. Now What?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you holding on to resentments or old pain?
• Are you comparing yourself and your recovery to others?
• Are you engaging in compulsive behaviors not related to substance use?
• Are you isolating from friends and family?
• Are you struggling to relate to others in recovery?
• Are you struggling with repeating experiences in your life, in relationships or jobs?
• Are you no longer getting the relief from 12 Step work that you used to?

These could all be signs that you are operating out of old belief systems that no longer serve you. This is often called stage 2 recovery, or sometimes “emotional sobriety.” It is not unusual to need outside help during this stage.

Being miserable is not an indication that your program of recovery isn’t working. In fact, it’s the opposite: it’s time to do deeper work. Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination.

If you have been working a 12 Step program, you have learned a great deal about yourself. You have become familiar with many of your beliefs and may feel that counseling won’t help. What you may not realize is that your beliefs have beliefs! I believe it is the unconscious beliefs that cause the problems.

Let me help you identify and challenge the beliefs that are keeping you miserable. There is hope. Learn more about relapse and recovery counseling.