You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it. Finally, if you’ve tried self-help strategies and find yourself not able to fully quit drinking, it may be time to seek professional help. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to stopping alcohol use and treating alcohol misuse, but no matter how severe the issue may seem, recovery is possible for every person. Keep in mind that self-help strategies are helpful tools, but you may need additional help to remain sober long-term.
You may tell yourself that surely there is something you can do. But the reality is that not even the person dependent on alcohol can control their drinking, try as they may. When someone with alcohol dependency promises they will never drink again but a short time later are back to drinking as much as always, it is easy to take the broken promises and lies personally. You may think, “If they really love me, they wouldn’t lie to me.”
Permanent Change Can Take a Long Time
They give you the kind of comprehensive care you might get in rehab, without having to travel or put your life on hold. Treatment is flexible, and also more affordable, making it possible to stick with it for the long term. This uses targeted doses of the drug naltrexone to help people reduce their cravings for alcohol. Many people find that they can eventually stop at one or two drinks as long as they are taking the medication.
Instead, focus on things, experiences, and activities that will support your new, healthy lifestyle. Medical support can also wean you from certain substances slowly, helping the brain and body adjust to the loss of the substance more gradually and minimizing some withdrawal symptoms. These sober alcoholic benefits not only ease the discomfort of the detox process, but also help to prevent relapse during this stage of treatment. Staying sober will take great resilience on the part of people recovering from alcoholism because they will get invited to parties and see old drinking buddies.
Maintain Robust Mental Health
People who have been drinking a lot of alcohol for a long time tend to get frequent infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis because their immune system has been worn down. If you would like to find out more information on how you can stay sober, contact Empowered Recovery. We offer partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming to help find the best version of you again. In some ways, staying away from drugs is easier than staying away from alcohol. Alcohol is available on most streets in most places in the world and is legal. Drugs, on the other hand, usually involve having a drug dealer’s number, calling them up and then going to buy them illicitly.
A mocktail looks like a cocktail but doesn’t have any alcohol in it. Other people won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking at your glass. The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success. Remember to care for yourself, seek supportive relationships, and consider seeking help from a therapist. One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
Instead of rushing into recovery attempting to complete treatment as quickly as possible, instead commit to recovery as a process. If your alcoholic loved one is committed to staying sober, help them to create and implement a healthier and more structured routine. SAMHSA data shows that 28.5 million over-12s in the United States have alcohol use disorder.
If you want to reduce your alcohol use and stop drinking, there is help and support for you. Behavioral interventions, medications, and social support can all play a role in your alcohol recovery. Alcohol use and poor sleep are closely linked because alcohol messes with your sleep-wake cycle. The American Society of Clinical Oncology adds that limiting or quitting alcohol while you’re having cancer treatment may help you avoid complications.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Drink Out of Your System?
People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction. Many people who misuse alcohol or drugs have trouble dealing with anger. If left unchecked, anger can have a negative impact on your health and your lasting sobriety. You may also need to change your route to work or home in order to avoid any triggers, or people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or drink again.
Early sobriety may come with feelings of fatigue, anxiety, or depression. You may also experience sobriety triggers (people, places, and things that trigger the desire to use). Know that it will get easier as you move through treatment and explore why you were using drugs or alcohol in the first place. Now that you are sober, you may have discovered that some of your past relationships were not only unhealthy but downright toxic. It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse. Staying sober is challenging but achievable with proper guidance and commitment.