Finding true joy in life without relying on substances to artificially stimulate our emotions can seem daunting and out-of-reach. However, sobriety, or a life free from alcohol and drugs, offers a host of benefits which cultivate contentment, calmness, and inner peace. In a society where the consumption of substances to cope with stress or to have a good time is rampant, striving for sobriety offers a powerful mental, physical, and spiritual opportunity to live life in its fullest and with the highest possible reverberations of joy.

The physical benefits of sobriety also add to its list of advantages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. While drinking is the main culprit of death related to drinking, the long-term abuse of drugs can also pose a threat to our physical wellbeing, specifically our health. Our bodies, no matter our genetic makeup, have a natural ability to bounce back from the detrimental effects of chemical substances, and it is only when these chemicals are used in large amounts, for long periods of time, that our health can become irreversibly damaged. When we make the conscious decision to lead a more sober life, our organs have the chance to improve over time, as they are not attacked and weakened by substances.

Although physical and mental health are completely essential elements of sobriety, the spiritual benefits are just as valid. High-quality sobriety provides us the opportunity to cultivate a deeper appreciation for yourself, others, and the world around you. Our awareness and appreciation for life widens as our perception of time slows down, and our awareness of our experiences shifts to the present moment. We become more mindful and aware of our decisions, and when we free ourselves from the grasp of chemical substances, we become more connected to our highest purpose.

Sobriety, or abandonment of chemical substances, is a powerful portal to joy, contentment, and peace. We can gain physical, mental, and spiritual benefits through this lifestyle; we have the power to improve our physical organs, we can become aware of our environment, and our spirit opens up to a wealth of life-altering joy. Sobriety is a long and difficult journey, but it is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.