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Getting clean and sober is always a challenging process for anyone with a serious drink or drug problem. For some people, though, the fears and worries about facing up to life sober can manifest as a serious condition known as nifaliophobia.
But what is nifaliophobia, and how can it be overcome? Find out what you need to know here.
What Is Nifaliophobia?
Nifaliophobia is a phobia and anxiety disorder related to the fear of sobriety and facing up to a life without alcohol or drugs.
It is perfectly natural for people with a substance misuse issue to feel apprehensive or anxious about tackling their drinking or drug use. Getting sober can involve significant lifestyle changes, and there may be strong cravings and withdrawal symptoms to get through.
All these worries are valid, but Nifaliophobia is more serious than what could be termed as ‘normal’ apprehension. The NHS says that phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that is more pronounced than fears. It says that a phobia is ‘an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal’.
Phobias can impact the way you live your life and stop you from doing certain things. In the case of nifaliophobia, this can mean preventing you from getting sober even though your drinking or drug use may be harming you and the people around you.
What Causes Nifaliophobia?
There are a number of potential causes or triggers for mental health phobias, including nifaliophobia. In general terms, phobias may be caused by things including:
- Past trauma: In terms of nifaliophobia, sobering up may involve facing past traumas with a clear head and no ‘crutch’.
- Learned behaviours: Family members or cultural influences can shape phobias. The person may have grown up seeing drinking or drug use and not know how to function without it.
- Experiencing long-term stress: Stress can cause feelings of anxiety and fear. It’s also worth noting that long-term substance misuse and addiction can cause stress, anxiety and other mental health issues such as paranoia.
- Genetic factors: Evidence suggests that some people may be more predisposed to developing phobias. Similarly, research has shown that some people may also be more predisposed to substance misuse and addiction.
Some fears that are directly related to nifaliophobia could include the fear that you will lose your friends or social circle. Many people use substances as a way to avoid problems and specific aspects of reality, which would have to be faced if they sobered up. You may also be afraid of having to confront your past behaviours and the damage you have done to yourself and those around you through your drinking or drug use. You may be afraid of boredom and feel like you need to use drugs or alcohol to have fun. Some people may be afraid of withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Again, these are all natural things to worry about, but it becomes a serious problem when this tips into a disproportionate fear.
Symptoms of Nifaliophobia
The symptoms of nifaliophobia can include:
- Emotional symptoms: Intense fear, anxiety panic and distress at the thought of sobriety or when starting to take steps towards quitting drink and/or drugs.
- Physical symptoms: Physical manifestations of the phobia such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, and nausea.
- Behavioural symptoms: Avoidance behaviours and disruption of daily life. This could mean making excuses to deal with problem drinking or drug use and avoiding situations where you cannot drink or use drugs.
How Does Nifaliophobia Affect Daily Life?
Substance misuse can affect daily life in a number of ways. It can affect your own physical and mental health as well as hurting people around you. Addiction can damage relationships, cause money issues and affect your work, studies and other aspects of your life.
When you add nifaliophobia into the mix, it can make problems worse by adding to your anxiety when you think about trying to address the substance misuse. This can also lead to secrecy, dishonesty and confrontations with loved ones who have your best interests at heart. Avoidant behaviours can also reinforce the phobia over time, leading to a vicious cycle of increasing anxiety and substance misuse.
Can Nifaliophobia Lead to Addiction or Substance Use?
People suffering from anxiety-related conditions, including phobias (and especially social phobias), may attempt to ‘self-medicate’ with drugs and alcohol, potentially leading to substance use disorders.
Any phobia can potentially lead to increased substance use in an attempt to deal with it, but nifaliophobia is already directly tied in with drinking or drug use. The anxiety involved can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing substance misuse, and can also prevent individuals from attempting to address their substance misuse issues or seek out the help they need.
Treatment Options for Nifaliophobia
There are a number of different approaches to treatment for nifaliophobia.
The main treatment option will usually be counselling and talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is effective in helping people to change negative thought patterns and ultimately their behaviours.
In some cases, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may be useful but only as directed by a medical professional. It is always advisable, in fact, that you seek professional help for any kind of phobia.
Some other options could include peer support groups and self-help techniques for overcoming phobias. Meditation, mindfulness and other relaxation techniques can also be useful for many people.
Seeking Help
It is always best to seek specialist professional help for mental health issues such as phobias, especially when they co-exist with addiction or substance misuse issues. Dual diagnosis is a way to treat addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously.
Rehab Clinics Group can provide expert mental health support alongside addiction treatment, giving you the best possible chance of making a full and lasting recovery. If you’re wondering how to overcome nifaliophobia and address any underlying substance misuse issues, it all starts with a phone call or message.
Get in touch today to take your first steps towards recovery and a more positive life free from drugs and alcohol.
