How to Overcome Fear of Success in Recovery

Alumni pursuing a transformed and sober future have much to celebrate throughout their continued recovery journey. Each step toward the next milestone can be a profound and important experience. However, it is also common to experience a fear of success in sobriety. Despite how counterintuitive it may seem at first, there are many reasons that those pursuing recovery may be wary of what actually succeeding in sobriety may entail. Understanding the fear of success in sobriety can empower those in recovery to best address these fears and change their perspectives to embrace their newfound positive change. 

For alumni navigating their sober lives, there is already much to celebrate. Navigating detox and residential treatment is difficult, and the personal growth and skills learned throughout recovery should all be championed as each person continues to embrace a healthy lifestyle. However, many alumni can still fear what success in sobriety may mean when leaving a dedicated treatment facility and beginning life in outpatient care as an alumnus. 

Many alumni may not be entirely sure what to expect in a new life of sobriety. This uncertainty and wariness of the unknown can be incredibly intimidating, and an individual may feel more comfortable falling back into previous routines, even while acknowledging the destructive consequences therein. 

Others may fear the ever-increasing sense of responsibility, accountability, and more. Success in sobriety can lead to new challenges, such as financial independence and self-sufficiency. Likewise, an increase in accountability can make an individual feel vulnerable or stressed as they are tasked with putting all of their practice strategies into use in the “real world.” Each of these feelings can be incredibly uncomfortable, and success not only means taking on such responsibilities, but also being accountable for their own continued healing and managing the expectations of family, friends, and loved ones.

The fear of success can be incredibly difficult to overcome and can result in various forms of self-sabotaging behaviors. However, there are always ways to begin challenging these fears for improved mental health and a more fulfilling sober life. 

Fear can be most powerful when it is silent. Expressing personal fears can be the first step in acknowledging and overcoming their effects, and vocalizing these fears can take many forms. For some, talking with trusted family members about these fears can be a great way to approach them together with a unified front. Others may look to peers who understand the fear of success in sobriety for an understanding and non-judgemental ear. Lastly, even using a journal to write down these fears or saying them aloud to oneself can all be ways of confronting the fear of success and taking the first step toward overcoming these concerns. 

The fear of success can be daunting to overcome. However, refocusing on personal benefits and positive outcomes, rather than solely on the concerns therein, can be a great way to challenge these feelings. For example, rather than seeing fiscal responsibility as a hindrance, these same accomplishments can instead empower those in recovery to budget based around just obligations, but also personal interests, hobbies, or personal expenses. Being able to purchase things for oneself without worrying about the aid or opinion of others can be incredibly freeing, and is an equal consequence of success in sobriety. 

Uncertainty is intimidating. However, with an unknown future also comes possibility – something that is still yet to be shaped. Rather than simply wading into unknowns, see such prospects as opportunities to express agency and control over each individual’s direction and life. 

This approach also allows those in recovery to better manifest their own positive change in recovery, anticipating not just how they want to live and the positive impact they can make, but also how they can better further personal goals in sobriety.  It can also prevent an individual from self-sabotaging their own success before they have even begun to work toward their goals.

However, other alumni may feel they are taking on too much at once. Rather than focusing too much on the various decisions and responsibilities ahead, it can be important to take this transition to a successful sober future one step at a time. Staying grounded in the present can empower alumni to focus on the best decision for themselves at that moment without stressing about the plethora of potential futures or changes ahead. By taking these challenges a little at a time, each alumnus can better manage their emotional health and stress while still creating a successful daily sober life. 

Alumni of Hawaii Island Recovery are never simply let out “on their own,” but rather always have constant access to a caring and understanding community. The fear of success in recovery can be difficult to deal with and can compromise a person’s sober efforts and bring an increased risk of relapse. However, staying engaged in outpatient programs, connecting with peers and professionals at Hawaii Island Recovery regularly for updates and new ideas, and more can all be powerful ways of staying engaged with each individual’s own positive change. 

The fear of success can be difficult to overcome, and we at Hawaii Island Recovery are prepared to help you not only overcome the fear of success but also embrace a positive perspective on your accomplishments as an alumnus. From continued outpatient support to a community of peers ready to celebrate and champion your sober accomplishments, we curate a community that embraces change and the potential of a sober life, all while helping you establish the necessary life skills and strategies to manage success in sobriety. From time management and social skills to budgeting strategies and more, we are committed to your healthy and fulfilling sober transformation. For more information on how we can help you, call (866) 390-5070.