The Sober Self

Among its many damaging effects, addiction can create crippling self-doubt, and a loss of what psychologists call self-efficacy – a measure of the individual’s confidence in their ability to exert control over their own motivation, behaviour, and social environment. Very often this leads to people feeling “stuck” in many aspects of life – especially when it comes to tackling addiction itself.

Drawing on current research, LifeRing has developed the model of the Sober Self and the Addicted Self. Both of these selves exist during active addiction, and while addiction exerts a ferocious force, the desire to break free is equally strong at times.

LifeRing meetings focus on the Sober Self within each participant, by establishing an open, supportive dialogue between the Sober Selves present. The will to reach and maintain a clean and sober life is reinforced in each person, and the means of sustaining it are discussed in detail. This model of positive reinforcement restores each person’s sense of self-efficacy, and crucially puts people back in control of their own destiny, by providing the practical means to move forward in life with renewed confidence and self-belief.