While our companion page presented an objective definition of being presently sober, based on biochemical and functional markers, this page delves into the more subjective and nuanced aspects of that state. What does it feel like to be sober? How do our values, intentions, and level of self-awareness influence our experience of being unimpaired? What does that sobriety enable? This page recognizes that even when someone is objectively unimpaired, their experience of being sober can be deeply personal and multifaceted.
Beyond the Numbers: The Subjective Experience of Being Sober
The objective definition of sober tells us what’s not there (intoxicating substances). But what is there? What does it feel like to be sober in your body, in your mind, and in your interactions with the world? Some common descriptions include:
- Clarity: A sense of mental clarity and sharpness, free from the fog of intoxication.
- Presence: Being fully present in the moment, able to engage with others and the environment without distraction.
- Control: Feeling in control of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- Connection: Experiencing a deeper connection with oneself, with others, and with the world.
- Authenticity: Feeling more authentic and true to oneself, without the mask of intoxication.
- Vulnerability: Being more willing to experience and express vulnerable emotions.
- Ability to Plan for the future: An ability to imagine a life outside of the current feelings and plan for a better future.
- A Deeper connection with yourself: Being more intouch with what your needs are, desires, and expectations.
- A greater sense of responsibility: The sense of the world being on your shoulders.
Sober-Mindedness: A State of Conscious Awareness
Beyond the absence of substances, “sober” can also describe a particular mindset – a way of approaching life with clarity, responsibility, and self-control. This “sober-mindedness” can be cultivated whether or not one has a history of substance use.
- Characteristics of a Sober-Minded Person:
- Rationality: Making decisions based on logic and reason, rather than impulse or emotion.
- Responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s actions and their consequences.
- Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and triggers.
- Mindfulness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
- Integrity: Living in accordance with one’s values and principles.
- Diligence: The state of focusing on goals rather than using distractions.
- How to Cultivate Sober-Mindedness:
- Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness techniques.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Learning to identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Self-Reflection: Journaling, therapy, and other forms of self-exploration.
- Ethical Living: Making conscious choices that align with one’s values.
Intentional Sobriety: Choosing Clarity for a Purpose
For some, being sober is not just a state of being, but a conscious choice made in pursuit of specific goals. This “intentional sobriety” involves actively choosing to abstain or moderate substance use in order to enhance certain aspects of life.
- Common Motivations for Intentional Sobriety:
- Improved Focus and Productivity: Enhancing concentration and cognitive performance.
- Enhanced Creativity: Accessing deeper levels of inspiration and insight.
- Stronger Relationships: Building more authentic and meaningful connections with others.
- Improved Physical and Mental Health: Reducing the negative effects of substances on the body and mind.
- Spiritual Growth: Connecting with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
- Improve Mental Health conditions: Such as depression, ADHD and anxiety
Sober as Conscious Consumption
Not every approach to sobriety involves total abstinence. “Conscious consumption” involves making deliberate and informed choices about when, where, how, and why you consume substances.
- Conscious Consumption as Intentional: Making a clear decision on when and where it is acceptable to consume substances. For example, the user may only use cannabis when they are with their closest friends on the weekend,
- Conscious Consumption as mindful consumption: The state of consuming substances and doing so in the moment.
- What Can You Do With Intentional Soberness: What do you want to do in life? Learn a skill? Learn a new language? Read?
Benefits of Conscientious Sobriety
When one is consciously sober, they have a greater potential:
- To make better life choices
- Control what happens in their body
- To improve their mental and physical well being.
The Role of Triggers
- What sort of people encourage users to take things they dont necessarily need?
- Is there a particular environment which increases the likelihood to use substances
The Downside
- Sobriety is hard and users should be aware of the mental challenges of feeling this way.
Disclaimer:
This page explores the diverse and subjective understandings of being presently sober. For an objective, scientifically based definition, please see our page on “Sober: The Objective Definition.” The material provided here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Explore all related articles to the Definition of Sobriety/ Sober:
Sober: An Objective Definition of Being Unimpaired