You Can Never “Break Your Sobriety”: Here’s Why

Welcome to another episode of my differing point of view around alcohol use. I absolutely hate the question, “Aren’t you afraid of breaking your sobriety?” Look, I understand what the superficial meaning is, but…

You haven’t broken your sobriety; you’ve broken your sobriety STREAK.

Regardless of your name for that return to substances such as a slip, relapse or attempt at moderation, it is the number of days that you were sober in a row that has been broken. Your “sobriety” was not broken though.

Why Get Picky on Phrasing?

Even the smallest details in what we say can create an impact. A sober streak is very different than broken sobriety, but I understand if this seems like a petty comparison.

That said, the amount of time you were sober, whether 5 days or 10 years is incredibly meaningful and a great measure of success in your journey. You’ve dedicated time for your body and mind to heal without a substance or behaviour used as distraction or coping.

I cringe when someone comments, “Oh no, aren’t you sad that you’ve broken your sobriety?” Firstly, it is ridiculously insensitive because they are likely not feeling great about not abstaining. Secondly, they come off as dismissive of the person’s time being sober.