How to Sober Up: What Actually Works?

Nancy Wilson
4 min readJun 3, 2024
Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash

Substance use disorders, whether related to alcohol or drugs, are complex medical conditions that require careful treatment and management. Achieving sobriety is not a simple process, as addiction is often a chronic disease. We will explore various treatment options for substance use disorders and provide valuable insights to assist individuals in their journey towards long-term recovery.

The Continuum of Substance Use

It is crucial to understand that substance use exists on a continuum, and the terms “sobering up” or “getting sober” can be stigmatizing. Recognizing harmful substance use and abstinence requires an individualized approach. The goal is to aim for better health and safety, rather than a binary outcome. According to Dr. Jeanette Tetrault, an addiction medicine specialist at Yale Medicine, substance use treatment is multifaceted and requires personalized attention.

Evaluating Behavior and Consumption Patterns

The first step in addressing substance use disorders is to seek evaluation from healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction medicine. Physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers play an important role in this process. They will assess your behavior and consumption patterns, diagnose the condition’s severity, and…

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Nancy Wilson

I help people live more meaningful lives through personal and business growth. I write about business, self-improvement & love❤️