Updated on 06/04/24
Getting sober is something that impacts all areas of your life. There’s going to be a shift in the way you live, which usually comes along with an adjustment period. It isn’t easy to stop using alcohol and drugs and be committed to maintaining a sober lifestyle. A change in your perspective—such as being OK with missing out on certain events—that aligns with your recovery goals is crucial to help keep you on the path of living a sober life.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) When You’re Sober
Everyone has dealt with FOMO at some point or another in their life. When you’re striving to not drink alcohol or party like you use to, you may feel an even greater loss of being at certain functions. It’s completely natural for someone in recovery to worry about the things that they are missing out on because they no longer use substances. If you’re used to going out on the weekends to meet with drinking buddies, it can be a difficult adjustment to make the decision to say no to the invitation because it can put you in a situation where you may want to drink. If you’re fearful of what you are missing out on, know that you are not alone. You may feel sad because you aren’t involved in the things you used to partake in and that’s a feeling many experience as they take the path to sobriety. You can, however, replace those old experiences with new ones that now fit your sober lifestyle. Soon, your FOMO will turn into JOMO.
JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) When You’re Sober
When you’re in the early stages of recovery from alcohol or drugs, the joy of missing out, or JOMO, may seem far-fetched. Although you may struggle at times with knowing you can’t participate in the usual activities with your friends, you’ll realize that there are positives in the situation. By politely declining the invitation to drink with your friends, you’re probably going to save money because you aren’t bringing alcohol to the gathering. Other ways to change your perspective and embrace JOMO is to think about how good you feel the next day because you won’t wake up tomorrow with a terrible hangover. It will take time, but you will soon see that there are a number of positives that can come from missing out. Instead of focusing on the things you might be losing, shift your focus and energy to the things you are gaining. You’ll feel the freedom of sober living and no longer feel ruled by your substance use. As you get further in your recovery, you’ll realize that the decisions you’ve made to remain sober bring you much more joy than fear.
Changing Your Perspective
Although a lot of work, try to change your perspective so you can count all the positives that come with missing out versus being in places that might hurt your chances of sobriety. When you shift your mindset (i.e., think about how you can get up to go for a jog the next morning instead of sleeping in and wasting the day away because of a late night), good things start to happen on your journey to lifelong recovery.
If you are still struggling with reach a life free of drugs and alcohol, Casa Palmera is here to help you. Call our staff today at (855) 508-0473.
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