There’s an old saying that you’re only as old as you feel. But that’s just telling half of the story. When it comes to those of us of a “certain age,” whatever that age may be, who have been comfortably ensconced in our particular drug of choice for many a year, it may often mean that we believe that it’s too late to get sober. In fact, drug addiction treatment can turn your life around at any age. Call us today at 844.875.5609 to learn more.
What Does Research Tell Us About Getting Old and Getting Sober?
Research studies, however, show the negative assessment to be largely a result of conditioning. In other words, if we think something bad about our prospects, especially about our ability to get clean and sober and stay that way, and we’re older adults, guess what? Our belief tends to become reality. On the other hand, as psychologists and behavioral health professionals readily agree, if we adopt more positive attitudes toward ourselves and our capabilities, it doesn’t matter how old we are. We can still find peace and happiness in a life of sobriety, and we won’t cut ourselves off from the chance to realize this new lifestyle.
So, how can we go from being mired in depressing and totally brutal self-assessment of our addictive behavior to coming to the realization that there is, indeed, hope for us? All you need to know is if you really want to get sober, you can do it. There are some tough times ahead, to be sure, but with the right kind of treatment and support, you can definitely get there.
Why Do We Con Ourselves That We’re Too Old to Get Sober?
Here are some of the things we tell ourselves when we believe it’s too late to get sober:
Physical Maladies Cause Us Pain
There’s no question that if we’re in pain, we aren’t feeling on top of our game. Every little movement can seem like torture, especially if we’re afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, some form of cancer or other progressively debilitating disease. Having to go through round after round of various types of medical tests and treatments does nothing to alleviate this feeling of being constantly in pain. Unfortunately, many of us in such circumstances turn to overmedicating just to get by. This may be in the form of taking pain relieving medications that are highly or somewhat addictive, or combining pills with alcohol or other illicit drugs. Keep in mind, however, that addiction is a trap.
There are Few of Us Left to Socialize With
The older we get, the more likely we are to fall into the trap of reading the obituaries. How many of our parents used to do that when we were kids and we thought it morbid and stupid? The fact is that when we reach a certain age, it’s human nature to be both curious about the longevity of others and to compare our own state of health with those who have recently died. But that doesn’t mean that because several of our friends have died that we’re about to as well. There are always myriad reasons why this or that person succumbs to a disease or dies from some other trauma. It isn’t just old age that is responsible.
It’s Too Hard to Learn Something New
How often have we told ourselves that we’re too old to learn something new? Actually, this isn’t an excuse that’s unique to older individuals, since a person of any age can and often does come up with it. In reality, people can learn new things into their advanced years—far older than you may be right now. It doesn’t matter, then, if you’re 60 or 100 years old. You can still learn new things and find enjoyment in life in the pursuit of healthy goals and activities.
Treatment is Too Expensive—And I’m On a Fixed Income
Treatment is expensive, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also affordable. There are ways and means to obtain treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and addiction that won’t put you in the poorhouse. You will need to do some research, however. There’s no free lunch here. If you are serious about getting sober—once you finally recognize that there’s no such thing as too late to get sober—you will do your homework and ask for help.
Benefits of Being Sober from Drugs
Being sober from drugs is a key part of having a healthy, productive lifestyle at any age. For starters, being sober allows you to make better decisions. This means that instead of making poor choices due to being under the influence of drugs, you can make more thoughtful decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
Being sober also has physical benefits. It can help reduce the risk of physical ailments that come with age such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It is also helpful for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or make positive lifestyle changes in general.
Finally, being sober from drugs allows you to build strong relationships. When you are not under the influence, it is much easier to focus on your interactions with other people and foster meaningful connections. This can lead to stronger friendships and healthier family dynamics.
Get Help Today From Promises Behavioral Health
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to get sober. Taking control of your sobriety can help you accomplish your goals and make positive changes in your life. Call us today at 844.875.5609 or reach out online to learn more about addiction treatment options.