White-knuckle sobriety refers to the practice of desperately holding onto sobriety without working a recovery program. Many programs stress the impossibility of maintaining sobriety by sheer force of will, but there are some—few and far between—who can for some time. The problem with white-knuckling sobriety is that it does not allow one to address all the underlying factors of addiction or grow spiritually and mentally.

Addiction is a chronic disease. Without proper professional support, it is doubtful individuals will be able to heal and recover. White-knuckle sobriety or abstinence can only go so far. Without proper support, individuals will find they substitute one addiction and continue to experience emotional and interpersonal problems. Fortunately, Oceanfront Recovery has the expertise to help anyone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction get the treatment necessary.

The Challenges of Sober Living

For individuals struggling with a substance use disorder or addiction, each day is an internal struggle to avoid triggers and not drink or use. White-knuckle sobriety or abstinence without support is a constant battle for the individual. This kind of approach stands in opposition to achieving the peaceful and serene state of sobriety that comes with working in a recovery program.

Some people reach a point in their lives when they want sobriety but are unwilling to take the necessary steps to recover. Alcohol and drug use are symptomatic of a disease that affects us physically, mentally, and spiritually. By hanging on to sobriety without working toward recovery, they are attempting to treat the symptoms rather than the disease. They may not be drinking or using drugs, but they are often continuing to behave in dysfunctional and harmful ways to others. The restless, irritability, and discontentment that often contribute to and exacerbate addiction are still present. It may seem easier to choose not to drink based on sheer willpower, but it turns every day into a painful struggle.

At Oceanfront Recovery, we offer several therapeutic approaches to help individuals alter their behavior, habits, and self-image for the better, such as:

These therapies are designed to address and treat all the underlying causes of one’s addiction by addressing both the disease of addiction and the symptoms.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Perhaps the most well-known and arguably most effective addiction treatment is the 12-Step recovery program. This method focuses on serenity and peace of mind as a means of maintaining sobriety. It is a program first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous but has since been used for several addictions. It has also been altered to fit the current needs of individuals who may not find the religious rigidity of AA effective in helping them heal.

When it comes to white-knuckle sobriety, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains, “We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality—safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem had been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in a fit spiritual condition.” Rather than maintaining sobriety by attempting to exert even more control over every aspect of our lives, we focus on spirituality, serenity, and selflessness. We find that we cannot only maintain sobriety, but we feel happy, joyous, and free while doing so.

Discover How Oceanfront Recovery Can Help

Your story can be one of serenity and peace of mind. You can give up the struggle with drugs and alcohol by deciding to seek help now. Oceanfront Recovery, located in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with knowledgeable and compassionate professionals dedicated to helping clients develop all the tools they need to achieve and maintain a fulfilling life in sobriety. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today at 877.279.1777.