SOBRIETY

Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other recreational drugs are all known to cause and worsen many chronic medical and mental health conditions.
Although moderation in use may be minimally destructive, abstinence is now recommended.
Substance use not only contributes directly to functional difficulties but can mask symptoms that require treatment and can render other treatments like medications less effective.

Substance use and physical and mental illness are interdependent, with each contributing to the other. But the reverse is also true, improving health or limiting substance use will also lead to improvements in both.
Alcohol and other sedatives can cause or worsen depression, anxiety, insomnia, eating disorders, and inattention as well as cardiovascular, liver, and brain disease.
Nicotine, including vaping, can cause or worsen anxiety, irritability, appetite changes, and insomnia in addition to lung disease.
Cannabis can cause or worsen depression, anxiety, insomnia, inattention, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and psychosis in addition to metabolic, cardiovascular, and brain disease.

Sobriety Strategies

Limit access

Remove drug from the house – show up late and leave early at events where others use

Change environment

Spend time with friends that don’t use, or in places where using is difficult or out of place

Find alternatives

Turn to exercise, meditation, entertainment, education, mocktails, or hobbies when craving

Join a support group

Look up and attend a support group like AA, MA, SOS, LifeRing, or SMART Recovery

Use an app

Sobriety Counter, Twenty-Four Hours a Day, Grounded: Quit Weed Smoking, Quit Weed

Do a workbook

Alcohol and You: 21 Ways to Control and Stop Drinking

Addicted: Recovering from Marijuana Addiction

Measure and taper*

Record the volume and frequency of your use and plan for steady reduction

Medications*

Ask your doctor about medications that can help with reducing craving and use

Find a program*

Schedule an intake at a treatment program – Psychology Today, Google, or call insurance

* Consult with your medical provider before considering this option to understand any risks involved