Sobriety: All you Need to Know.

Recognizing the need to get sober is one thing; knowing how to do so is quite another. While admitting that there is a problem is half the battle, there is still half the battle to go if the person wants to manage the problem and recover. Knowing what steps to take to get sober can be intimidating. Some people may seek a quick fix without fully understanding the complexities of addiction recovery. Others may be stymied because they don’t know what to do first. In either case, it’s easy to get lost along the way if the person isn’t aware of the potential complications and the tools and factors that can assist in meeting those challenges.

Recognize the Need to Get Sober

Recognizing and admitting that a person has a problem with alcohol or drug abuse is the first step toward recovery. This can be difficult because denial is a common reaction to the realization that the individual has lost control of their substance use. Nonetheless, there are some measures an individual can take to determine whether substance abuse has become a problem. These are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which specifies the criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders. These are some examples:

• Inability to control the amount, duration, or frequency of substance use, or to discontinue use entirely
• Personal responsibilities, relationships, and other activities are being jeopardized as a result of substance abuse.
• Continued substance abuse in the face of physical or mental health issues, or other consequences
• Cravings for the substance or withdrawal symptoms if use is discontinued

Reach Out For Help

Once it has been determined that the individual requires sobriety, the next step is to seek assistance. There are numerous sources of assistance that can assist the individual in getting started in seeking the treatment required to overcome addiction and become sober. Stopping substance abuse is a journey that does not have to be undertaken alone. In fact, having a trusted support system to help maintain motivation makes getting and staying sober more likely. Some people may require personal support in order to maintain the strength to seek help. This can come from a trusted family member or friend whom the individual knows will support the individual’s journey to sobriety.

If the person does not have friends or family who can support the process of getting sober, another avenue to seek help is to find medical or addiction treatment professionals who can point the person in the right direction for recovery resources. These professionals can connect the individual with needed sober living services, as well as provide diagnoses of substance use disorders, including addiction, and co-occurring disorders that may contribute to the problem.

Why is reaching out important?

When quitting certain substances, you may require professional assistance. Quitting alcohol or benzodiazepines, for example, can be hazardous due to the risk of developing delirium tremens. This severe withdrawal can result in hallucinations and seizures. Before quitting these substances on your own, consult with your doctor.

The use of drugs and alcohol can lead to health problems. Too much alcohol consumption can lower immunity, cause high blood pressure, and increase the risk of developing liver disease and certain cancers. Sobriety may help reduce your risk of developing these health conditions while also improving your overall health and well-being. Though getting sober can be difficult at first, the long-term health benefits are substantial.

What Exactly Does It Feel Like to Get Sober?

Sobriety entails more than just abstaining from drugs and alcohol. It is the ongoing process of embracing a drug-free lifestyle and bettering yourself. Many changes can occur in your body and mind when you become sober. These changes can be difficult at times, and you may wonder if they are worthwhile. Though it can be difficult at times, there are numerous advantages to sobriety. 

Though getting sober may be uncomfortable at first, the discomfort is only temporary. Many people gradually begin to feel better. You will most likely feel more confident, empowered, and proud of yourself as you recover from addiction and make positive changes in your life. If you continue to struggle, you may be suffering from an underlying mental health condition. 

The only way to find out if you have a mental health problem on top of the typical highs and lows of early sobriety is to seek help from a mental health professional. If you are suffering from a mental health condition, there is help available.

How does your body change while you get sober?

While getting sober, you may experience uncomfortable, even painful withdrawal symptoms. This is an expected part of the procedure. Withdrawal is the process by which your body adjusts to the absence of the substance. These withdrawal symptoms typically appear within hours or days of discontinuation.

The following substances can cause withdrawal symptoms:

• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium
• Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine
• Opioids like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin

During withdrawal from the above-mentioned drugs, you may experience the following physical symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Appetite changes
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Cravings
• Tremors

How do your emotions change as you become sober?

While you’re getting sober, your emotions can shift dramatically. You may feel more irritable, anxious, or depressed after quitting drugs or alcohol. The first year of sobriety can be difficult, with many people experiencing a range of emotions. However, most people report improved mental health after a year of sobriety.

What are the hardest days of sobriety?

Many people find that the first few weeks of sobriety are the most difficult. You may experience withdrawal symptoms that are both physically and emotionally distressing. Cravings are common during this period, and they may tempt you to relapse.

Treatment can help you get through this difficult time. Medical professionals monitor you during withdrawal in detoxification programs. Medical professionals may prescribe medications to help reduce withdrawal symptoms as the substance leaves your body.

Detox is not a treatment, but it is a necessary step toward sobriety. If you are coming off of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, supervised detox is highly recommended. These are the most dangerous and difficult substances to quit.

5 Tips to Help You Stay Sober

Here are some tips to get stay sober:

1. Avoid dangerous situations

This may imply that you avoid spending time with someone with whom you used to use drugs or go to places where you used to drink. You might take a different route home from work, for example, to avoid passing by your favorite old hangout.

2. Create a Support System

Even if your relationships aren’t what they used to be, lean on close friends and family for support. Consider going to counseling or family therapy to help with this and other personal issues.

Have some sober friends whom you can invite as a plus-one to a social event such as a party or wedding. Maintain contact with your sponsor and call them if you are feeling anxious or uneasy.

3. Control Your Desires

While most only last 15 to 30 minutes, they can be difficult to combat. You could try chewing gum or repeating to yourself, “I am stronger than this, and it will pass.” Keeping yourself busy is another excellent way to divert your attention. Keeping a journal can also be beneficial for some people. Write down what brings you joy and what you’re grateful for, then go back and read it during difficult times.

4. Find an activity that has meaning for you.

You should start exercising because it releases brain chemicals called endorphins, which can make you feel good. You could also spend your time volunteering for a good cause, such as an animal shelter or a children’s hospital. Whatever it is, new activities can lead to new friends who share your interests.

5. Make a mocktail

You may feel more at ease in social situations where people are drinking if you have a drink in your hand. It can also discourage people from asking questions. A mocktail resembles a cocktail but contains no alcohol. Others will be unable to tell the difference simply by looking at your glass.

The bottom line…

Sobriety can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially during the withdrawal period. The majority of withdrawal symptoms subside within a few days or weeks. Prolonged withdrawal, on the other hand, can last months for some people. Most people feel better after a year of sobriety. Though getting sober can be difficult, the long-term benefits outweigh the difficulties. Establishing a healthy routine and cultivating positive habits can assist you in avoiding a relapse. Consider the following strategies to help you stay sober:

• Walking, meditating, or writing are examples of positive, sober activities.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Aim for a minimum of 8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible Alcohol Rehab options.
• Concentrate on completing one day at a time. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, concentrate on the next day, hour, or few minutes.
• Do not delay getting addiction treatment today!