Key Insights on Noticing Addiction and Achieving Sobriety
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Understanding the Role of Noticing in Sobriety
Sobriety can sometimes be inspired by the most unexpected sources. Over the last few years, I’ve taken up learning Spanish, a pursuit that has led me to explore various theories surrounding second-language acquisition—essentially, how individuals grasp new languages.
One prominent theory in this field is Richard Schmidt’s noticing hypothesis. This concept suggests that language learners improve by concentrating on particular linguistic elements while they read and listen. This stands in contrast to other prevalent theories which maintain that learners can advance merely through engaging with material, without any intentional focus on language features.
As someone who is not an expert in language studies, I hope I’ve accurately represented these differing perspectives. For a deeper dive, I recommend visiting the Wikipedia page dedicated to the noticing hypothesis.
What captivates me most about this hypothesis, however, is its intriguing connection to the realm of sobriety. I believe that cultivating the skill of "noticing" is crucial for those striving to overcome addiction and maintain sobriety.
Reflecting on My Alcoholism Journey
During my time as a regular drinker, I was oblivious to the extent to which my alcoholism affected my life. I recently discussed this in my piece titled Alcoholism Was Death by a Thousand Cuts. The repercussions of my drinking were subtle—missing a social event, experiencing restless nights, or losing entire afternoons to intoxication. However, the cumulative effects resulted in significant harm.
A pivotal factor in my long-term sobriety has been my ability to actively reflect on the harm caused by alcohol—essentially, to notice it. Rather than dismissing my drinking and convincing myself I was “high-functioning,” I had to confront the tangible consequences of my behavior.
In another recent article, How I Escaped the Relapse Cycle, I examined how “noticing” has played a key role in my recovery. Like many individuals battling alcoholism, I faced repeated cycles of quitting and relapsing. It wasn’t until I began to scrutinize what went wrong that I started to break free from this endless loop. Getting sober couldn’t be an automatic process; it required conscious awareness.
Drawing Parallels Between Language Learning and Sobriety
While I can't ascertain whether the noticing hypothesis holds true in the language acquisition domain, I firmly believe it has significant relevance in the context of sobriety. From my experience, the more attentively I’ve reflected on my struggles with alcoholism, the more successful I’ve been in my recovery journey.
There are numerous ways to practice “noticing” in sobriety, such as:
- Engaging in discussions about your challenges during support meetings.
- Compiling lists of personal triggers.
- Writing about your experiences in a blog like this one.
I believe that regardless of the approach we choose, increasing our awareness of the nuances of our addiction can greatly enhance our ability to overcome it.
About Benya Clark
I am a former lawyer turned writer, focusing on themes of sobriety and mental health. If you found this article insightful, consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter featuring essays on sobriety.
Chapter 1: The Science Behind Addiction
The first video titled "How an Addicted Brain Works" offers insights into the neurological processes behind addiction, shedding light on the brain's response to substances.
Chapter 2: Recognizing Signs of Addiction
The second video, "7 Signs You May Need Addiction Treatment," outlines key indicators that suggest a person might benefit from professional help in overcoming addiction.