Navigating Alcoholic Dreams and Their Impact on Recovery
The mind of an addict in early recovery can be a battlefield
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During the early days of sobriety, your mind can get pretty messed up. It's like a battlefield where reality gets mixed up with old memories of drinking.
I used to have these crazy dreams where I'd be drinking again. They felt so real that I'd wake up in a panic, thinking I'd actually fallen off the wagon. It was a huge relief to realise it was just a dream, but it left me feeling uneasy.
As time went on and I got more used to being sober, I started to see these dreams in a different light. They weren't just random nightmares; they were reminders of how powerful addiction can be.
"The chains of addiction are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken." - Warren Buffett
You’re not alone
Talking to other people in recovery, I found out I wasn't the only one dealing with these dreams. Lots of people shared similar stories about dreaming they'd relapsed and waking up feeling scared and confused.
I remember one guy who said he was so convinced he'd started drinking again after a particularly vivid dream that he went out and got wasted for real. It wasn't until later that he realised it was all in his head. I was gutted for him!
Thinking back on those dreams, I wonder where they come from. Are they the devil trying to tempt us back into drinking, or are they our brains trying to get rid of the booze for good?
"The night is the devil's favourite time, for it is then that he works his dark magic on the souls of men." - Unknown
No real power
No matter where they come from, one thing's certain: these dreams can mess with your head big time. They can make you feel like you're back at square one, even when you've come so far.
But even though they're scary, these dreams don't have any real power over us. They're just leftovers from our past lives, and they can't hurt us if we don't let them.
Today, I'm solid in my sobriety, and those dreams don't scare me like they used to. But I know they can be tough for those in the early days of their recovery.
So if you're dealing with these dreams, don't keep it to yourself. Talk to someone who gets it and remember, you're not alone. Together, we can get through anything.
TL;DR
If you're experiencing vivid dreams of drinking or relapsing during early sobriety, it's essential to remember that these dreams are a common occurrence for many people in recovery. However, to help if/when they occur, here are some pieces of advice:
1. Recognise the dreams for what they are
These dreams are a natural part of the recovery process and do not necessarily indicate a desire or intention to relapse. They are often a reflection of the brain processing past experiences and fears related to alcohol.
2. Seek support
Talk to someone you trust about your dreams, whether it's a sponsor, counsellor, or fellow member of a support group. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide validation and reassurance.
3. Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself and recognise that experiencing these dreams does not mean you're failing in your recovery journey. Acknowledge the progress you've made and the strength it takes to confront these challenges.
4. Use the dreams as learning opportunities
Reflect on the emotions and triggers present in your dreams. Is there a specific stressor or fear underlying these dreams? Understanding the root causes can help you address them more effectively in your waking life.
5. Stay connected
Stay connected to your support network and engage in activities that promote your overall well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness practices, hobbies and passions. Building a fulfilling and meaningful life in recovery can help mitigate the impact of these dreams.
6. Consider professional help
If these dreams are causing significant distress or impacting your ability to maintain sobriety, consider seeking support from a mental health professional who specialises in addiction recovery. They can provide personalised guidance and strategies to help you cope with these challenges.
With support, self-awareness, and resilience, you can navigate these challenges and continue on your path to lasting sobriety. Remember, you’re not alone.
Thank you for reading: “Navigating Alcoholic Dreams and Their Impact on Recovery.”
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Check out the last post: “Break Free: 9 Essential Steps to Overcome Drinking Habits.”
Take care of yourself and your family,
Roscoe | @AFFathers
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Drunk dreams in sobriety are frightening indeed. I knew I’d turned a corner in my recovery when those drinking or using dreams involved feeling the shame of having to raise my hand as a newcomer in the meeting the next day. 😳