What Does Sober Mean?

The word "sober" has far-reaching social implications.

Dictionary Definition

• According to Random House Webster's College Dictionary, "sober" has two meanings: Showing self-control, or not being intoxicated. Culturally, most people use "sober" to describe someone who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Addiction

• While the word "sober" describes anyone not under the effect of drugs or alcohol, it has even more weight in the case of addicts. When an addict becomes "sober," it means he has chosen to stop using the substance altogether. This is a monumental decision and requires enormous physical and emotional strength.

Becoming Sober

• Becoming sober for an addict begins with admission of the problem. After making the decision to become well, he will need some sort of rehab program. There are inpatient and outpatient programs, and each person has different preferences. There are 12 steps to becoming sober, and most rehab centers recommend that their patients follow all steps faithfully.

Support Groups

• For recovering addicts, programs include:
  - Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  - Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  - Cocaine Anonymous (CA)

  For friends and family of addicts:
  - Al-Anon (and Alateen for younger members)
  - Nar-Anon

Sobriety

• "Sobriety" is the condition of being sober. Recovered addicts are generally very proud of their sobriety and keep a count of how many days, weeks, months or years they have been sober.