In the life of each of us there comes a moment when retreating into a world of illusions no longer brings comfort, and reality demands an honest look at oneself.

From Illusion to Clarity: The Transformative Journey of Sobriety

In the life of each of us there comes a moment when retreating into a world of illusions no longer brings comfort, and reality demands an honest look at oneself. In a state of intoxication or self-destructive behavior, a person tries to appear as someone they are not, attempting to compensate for insecurity with an exaggerated image that merely masks inner doubts. Such a way of life leads one away from the truth, plunging the individual into a realm where the true self hides behind fabricated roles.

However, when a person chooses the path of sobriety, a profound transformation occurs in both the external and internal aspects of their being. Sobriety becomes an opportunity to return “to oneself,” enabling one to see their reality without embellishment. There is a noticeable improvement in both outward well-being and inner mood—clarity of thought emerges, accompanied by a sense of responsibility for one’s actions and an awareness of personal capabilities. Essentially, this process helps the person assess real risks and take the necessary steps to correct situations in their personal life.

Ultimately, sobriety becomes the first step on the path to true salvation and personal rebirth. Only by realizing where you stand can you begin moving toward a better future. It is precisely the ability to see yourself as you truly are that opens the door to deep inner change, allowing one not only to build relationships with the surrounding world but also to restore a connection with spiritual values. This is not merely a change of state, but a powerful breakthrough that enables people to take responsibility for their lives and move forward with new energy and clarity of mind.

How can one interpret the change in a person’s behavior from intoxication to sobriety, when a noticeable difference is observed?

Significant behavioral change observed during the transition from intoxication to sobriety can be interpreted as shifting from an illusory escape from reality to a state in which a person confronts their true essence and takes responsibility for their life. In the state of intoxication, an individual often attempts to assert themselves through an exaggerated self-image that does not reflect reality. As the saying goes:
"Experience shows that people start drinking (or gambling, etc.) when they desperately want to feel confident but fail to do so. Paradoxically, intoxication is linked to the desire to see one’s position as sufficiently high, while reality reveals the true state. And if a person is unwilling to reconcile with that reality and does not plan to change anything in their life, then the absence of sobriety as a spiritual virtue becomes a reason for practical intoxication—leading the person to retreat into an illusory world." (source: 162_808.txt, page: 678)

In contrast, sobriety noticeably changes not only a person’s external appearance but also their inner state. The state of sobriety is associated with a return “to oneself,” with a reborn spirit, as external expressions and mood become more balanced and responsible. This is confirmed by the following statement:
"Even his external appearance changes completely, not to mention his internal mood. Such a spirited sober individual truly comes back to himself—returning both to his work and to God. He knows this himself, and others see it in him. Our simple Russian people fully recognize this." (source: 45_222.txt, page: 2)

Furthermore, sobriety allows a person to objectively assess their situation, recognize risks, and, consequently, take steps toward correction. It is precisely the ability to see oneself as they truly are that serves as an important stage in the path toward change and salvation:
"Our primary activity is encapsulated in the word ‘salvation’. But in order to strive for salvation, one must realize that they are in danger and take measures to avoid that danger. Salvation without sobriety, of course, is impossible, because only a person who sees themselves as they truly are can accurately evaluate the situation both in their inner world and in the external one." (source: 162_808.txt, page: 677)

Thus, the noticeable difference in behavior between the state of intoxication and sobriety can be interpreted as a transition from a reckless escape from reality and illusory self-assertion to a deep self-awareness. This leads to changes in both the external and internal aspects of a person’s personality. This transition reflects not merely a change of circumstances, but a process of personal rebirth, as the individual begins to restore a connection with reality and takes responsibility for their future.

Supporting citation(s):
"Experience shows that people start drinking (or gambling, etc.) when they desperately want to feel confident... and the person retreats into an illusory world." (source: 162_808.txt, page: 678)
"Even his external appearance changes completely, not to mention his internal mood... Such a spirited sober individual truly comes back to himself." (source: 45_222.txt, page: 2)
"Our primary activity is encapsulated in the word ‘salvation’... Salvation without sobriety, of course, is impossible, because only a person who sees themselves as they truly are can accurately evaluate the situation." (source: 162_808.txt, page: 677)