Getting sober is hard. It becomes easier when you have sober role models to look to for inspiration. Research shows that between 40% and 60% of all addicts will relapse at some point. With figures like that, it's no surprise that getting sober can seem downright impossible at times.

Wouldn't it be easier if you had someone to set a good example? That's where sober role models come in.

Here are three of the biggest reasons why these important figures play a huge role in a recovering addict's sobriety.

1. Role Models Give Us Something to Believe In

When we talk about sobriety, we tend to talk about things like recovery plans, treatment options, and supervision. Though each of these elements is important to a sober lifestyle, there's one other thing that matters every bit as much: Hope.

Our sober living role models show us that everyone is human. People mess up, sometimes in catastrophic ways. But it's never too late to turn a new leaf and get things back on track.

Robert Downey Jr., for instance, had a well-documented history of addiction. Things got so bad that he often woke up on strangers' couches. Yet here he is, some years later, sober and portraying a literal hero for the world to see.

That kind of message means the world to an addict.

When someone is struggling day in and day out to maintain their new lifestyle, having someone to look at and say "Well if they can do it, so can I!" means the world.

2. They Understand Your Struggles

A sober lifestyle can sometimes feel like a solitary one, no matter how hard your family and friends try to offer support. There may be times where you ask yourself how anyone could ever understand what you're going through.

Sometimes, it's important to seek understanding from someone who has walked a mile in your shoes.

A role model doesn't have to be a celebrity. It can be a sponsor, a friend, a family member, or someone you see at meetings.

Having someone who knows what you're going through means that you're no longer alone. It provides hope, encouragement, and the motivation to keep going.

3. A Good Role Model Can Help Establish Healthy Behavior

Even before we're born, we have genetic traits and characteristics that determine our vulnerability to substance abuse.

When paired with our upbringing, things deck can seem stacked against us from the get-go.

If you grew up around alcoholics, you may have picked up certain traits and behaviors without even realizing it! This is called social learning, and it's something that has huge implications for addicts.

Having a role model to counteract these negative traits shows us that there's a better way. A way that includes healthy coping mechanisms, a positive attitude, and a bright future.

Offsetting learned behaviors is never easy, but a good role model provides the blueprints you need to take the first step.

Getting Sober Is Easier Together: Final Thoughts on the Importance of Having a Sober Role Model

A sober role model is so important for someone looking to live sober. Through their positivity, hope, and empathy, they can make getting sober far less intimidating and much more attainable.

Ready to start your journey to recovery? We're here to help. Get in touch with us today to ask about our sober living options.

---