Coming Out Sober And the Risks We Don’t Talk About

There’s a moment in the sobriety journey—usually between month six and twelve—when something changes. The body heals, neurotransmitters start to rebalance, and suddenly we see both sides clearly: the vicious cycle of alcohol and the freedom of life without it.

That’s when many of us feel the urge to “come out sober.” To share our personal recovery story openly. To show the undecided and the skeptical that transformation is real.

And it shows. A few kilos down, healthier skin, more glow, obvious mental clarity and stability. Some of us are even tempted by the classic before-and-after photo collage.

This isn’t necessarily about ego (just a tiny bit, maybe?!) It’s altruism and catharsis. Sharing helps others who might still be stuck in the loop of alcohol, but it also unburdenes us.

And today, the cultural climate seems okay with it. The era of filters and flawless feeds has lost its shine. People resonate more with the raw, the unpolished, the real.

What could be harmful in telling your sober story in detail, if it comes from a good place?

1. The internet is permanent. Once it’s out, it can’t be undone. That’s not the biggest risk, but it’s real.

2. Collateral impact. Our stories involve family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Our openness could hurt or shock others in ways we can’t fully predict.

3. The danger of self-narrative. This is the trickiest one. We’re skilled at convincing ourselves of things that serve us. Do we want to brand ourselves just with one narrative that will shape our identity?

   
   

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t admire those who have put their full sober journey out there. Many have, and their courage has given others the strength to change.

There’s no universal answer. But before you hit “post” with your story of alcohol recovery, weigh not only the healing but also the exposure.

As Darren McGarvey points out in Trauma Industrial Complex: How Oversharing Became a Product in a Digital World, we should keep asking: are the stories we’re telling liberating us — or keeping us trapped?

Stay Sober. Stay Cool.

High Sobriety Club