The alcohol and drug addiction recovery process can look different for each person and is based on the level of care determined for a person, so treatment is often tailored to the individual.4 Program lengths vary. You may choose a 28- or 30-day, 60-day or 90-day inpatient drug rehab stay or an outpatient rehab program, and you might like to opt for specialized treatment options. stages of alcoholic recovery Once an individual has completed the detoxification process and overcome the physical effects of alcohol withdrawal, the next stage in the journey to sobriety is rehabilitation and therapy. This stage focuses on addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction and equipping individuals with the tools and strategies necessary to maintain long-term sobriety.
What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?
Yet, only about 7.6% of people with AUD receive treatment for their alcohol addiction. Each individual is different, and we recognize that your recovery process will be different from that of others. The most surefire way to achieve success in recovery is to make and execute a well-thought-out plan, with the support of caring professionals. This stage is uncomfortable, mentally and physically taxing, and even painful at times. The action stage can last anywhere from 3 to 18 months, and there is a high risk of relapse during this time.
Holistic Approach to Relapse Prevention
This is because alcohol can cause changes in brain chemistry, which can lead to cognitive problems. You might notice this effect more if you were drinking to manage your mood, such as drinking to temporarily relieve negative emotions or boost positive ones. Fortunately, reducing your alcohol use can help improve your sleep over time, although you might experience more sleep disturbances for some time after you quit. “Furthermore, consistent use of alcohol to induce sleep only increases the need to use alcohol in the future to get to sleep,” he explains. One of the most common side effects of giving up alcohol is insomnia.This is because alcohol acts as a sedative, so when it’s no longer in your system, you may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Understanding Alcohol Rehabilitation
Gaining the skills to avoid relapse is a necessary part of the recovery process. At least equally necessary is developing in a positive direction out of the addiction. The key is cultivating new goals and taking measures to move towards them. The motivational force of new goals eventually helps rewire the brain so that it has alternatives to the drive for drugs. It’s hard to leave addiction behind without constructing a desirable future.
- In the next section, we will explore the importance of embracing a sober lifestyle and the ongoing support required to continue the journey of recovery.
- Embracing a sober lifestyle involves making conscious choices to abstain from alcohol and adopting healthy habits that support recovery.
The Affordable Care Act requires private and public insurance plans to cover 10 essential health benefits, one of which is substance use disorders. However, the exact coverage will depend on your specific insurance plan. You may be responsible for part of the costs of your alcohol addiction treatment, depending on your deductible, copay, and coinsurance. Also, withdrawal symptoms are relieved immediately by consuming additional alcohol. This puts you at a significant risk of relapse when you try to quit drinking at home without professional help.
Stage 3: Maintaining Abstinence
By embracing a sober lifestyle and continuing to seek support and personal growth, individuals can find lasting recovery and build a fulfilling life free from the grips of alcohol addiction. Remember, the journey of recovery is unique to each individual, and progress may vary. Patience, perseverance, and the willingness to seek help when needed are key to long-term success. Accepting the need for https://ecosoberhouse.com/ help often involves reaching out to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, or counselors, who specialize in addiction treatment. These professionals can provide valuable information, guidance, and resources to assist individuals in their journey towards recovery. It is also important to involve trusted friends and family members who can offer emotional support and understanding.
- This model delineates six stages through which individuals cycle during their recovery journey, elucidating the mechanisms that drive behavioral transformations.
- The acute phase of alcohol detox can last anywhere from 6 hours to 2 weeks.
- By acknowledging differences, offering alternatives, and emphasizing flexibility, the recovery process becomes more accessible, person-centered, and ultimately more effective in promoting lasting positive change.
- In this stage, individuals begin to recognize that their addiction is causing problems in their life.
Stage 6: Continued Growth and Sobriety
One of the biggest challenges in the precontemplation stage of addiction is breaking through this wall of denial. It often takes a significant event or accumulation of negative consequences to crack this facade. Sometimes, it’s a health scare, legal trouble, or relationship breakdown that serves as a wake-up call. Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether. This website will help you find the resources, support, and community to create your own path. You may face challenges along the way, but combining the power of hope with practical guidance and tools, you’ll be taking steps towards better health.
Preparation: Getting Ready for Change
In one study, two-thirds of the adults relapsed in social situations in which they experienced urges and temptations to drink or use. One third experienced relapses when they were experiencing negative emotions and urges to drink/use. By contrast, most adolescents relapsed in social settings when they were trying to enhance a positive emotional state. A small group of adolescents relapsed when facing interpersonal difficulties accompanied by negative emotions and social pressures to drink or use. Treatment and education can help adults learn techniques for handling urges and ways of accepting and managing negative emotions.
