How to Get Sober From Alcohol

Understanding How to Get Sober

Rather than searching for a single solution for how to get sober from alcohol, instead consider recovery as an ongoing journey that may not always be linear. Here are actionable tips for kickstarting your sobriety:

• Recognizing the need for change: The first step in getting sober is recognizing the need for change. Take a moment to acknowledge the impact alcohol has had on your life, whether it be physical, mental, or social. Reflect on the benefits of sobriety, such as improved health, relationships, and overall well-being. Commit to making a change and embracing a sober lifestyle.
• Establishing a supportive environment: Building a strong support network is essential in the journey to sobriety from alcohol. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can offer understanding and encouragement. Communicate your decision to get sober, express your needs, and ask for their support. Identify potential triggers that may lead to drinking and develop a plan to avoid or manage them effectively.
• Developing a sobriety plan: Creating a sobriety plan can provide structure and guidance. Set clear and achievable goals for your sobriety journey. Consider consulting with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist who can provide personalized guidance and support. Develop a daily routine that supports your sobriety goals, including activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
• Implementing self-help strategies: Finding healthy alternatives to drinking is key when becoming sober from alcohol. Explore new hobbies, engage in activities you enjoy, and reconnect with interests that you may have set aside due to alcohol abuse. When cravings arise, have a plan in place to manage them effectively. Reach out to your support network, distract yourself with a walk or exercise, or practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Seeking professional help: Engaging professional help may be necessary to support your journey to sobriety. Explore different treatment options like detoxification programs or rehab centers to safely withdraw from alcohol and receive necessary medical support. Consider therapy or counseling to address underlying emotional issues that may have contributed to your drinking habits. MAT (medication-assisted treatment) can also be beneficial, especially when supervised by a healthcare professional.
• Building a healthy lifestyle: Focus on self-care activities to promote overall well-being. Prioritize regular exercise, maintain a nutritious diet, and ensure quality sleep to support your physical and mental health. Explore stress-reducing practices like meditation or mindfulness to manage cravings and emotional challenges effectively. Surround yourself with positive influences and establish healthy relationships and boundaries.
• Overcoming challenges: Recognize that the journey to sobriety may present challenges along the way. Understand and manage withdrawal symptoms with the help of professionals. Learn to navigate social situations where alcohol is present and develop strategies to handle peer pressure. Cultivate resilience and perseverance during difficult times, knowing that setbacks may occur but are not failures. Each day is an opportunity for growth and progress.

Getting Sober From Alcohol Timeline

How long to get sober from alcohol may vary from person to person, but here is a general overview:

• Week 1: Making the decision to get sober and seeking support.
• Weeks 2 to 4: Detoxification and managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Months 1 to 3: Ongoing treatment and adjusting to a sober lifestyle while developing new habits.
• Months 4 to 6: Addressing underlying emotional issues and building coping skills.
• Months 7 to 12: Consolidating progress, maintaining sobriety, and preventing relapse.
• Beyond 1 year: Embracing a lifelong commitment to sobriety and personal growth.

Treatment for Getting Sober From Alcohol

Because alcohol addiction can result in a strong physical dependency, it is never recommended that you get sober from a moderate to severe alcohol addiction outside of a medical detox center.

Finding an alcohol detox center provides you with a safe, comfortable place staffed with 24/7 medical professionals who can intervene at any time, and provide medication to assist with the withdrawal symptoms. While treatment for getting sober from alcohol begins with a medical detox, attending a treatment center can also set you up on a path to getting help for long-term sobriety as well.

Outpatient care after detox includes individual counseling, group therapy, a relapse prevention plan, a sober community, and more. These programs can significantly increase the chances of long-term sustained sobriety, as well as provide a safe and effective place to fall back on if a relapse occurs.

The goal of getting treatment for sobriety is not only to stop addiction, but also to address any underlying mental or physical health issues and improve your overall quality of life after treatment.

FAQs

How do I learn how to get sober?

Achieving complete sobriety typically involves a multifaceted approach, including seeking professional help, participating in therapy or support groups, making lifestyle changes, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. It’s essential to tailor the approach to individual needs and circumstances.

What is the hardest day of sobriety?

The hardest day of sobriety can vary for each person. Generally, the early days and weeks of sobriety can be particularly challenging as the body and mind adjust to life without substances. However, each person’s journey is unique, and difficult days can arise at any point during the recovery process.

How long after quitting alcohol do you feel better?

The timeline for feeling better after quitting alcohol varies from person to person. In the short term, withdrawal symptoms may last a few days to a week, but physical and mental improvements can continue for months. Recovery is a gradual process, and individual experiences may vary.

How long does it take to get sober from alcohol?

The time it takes to get sober from alcohol depends on various factors, including the severity of addiction, individual circumstances, and the treatment approach taken. While the initial detox period may last a few days to a week, long-term recovery is an ongoing process that can take months or years, involving ongoing support and lifestyle changes.

Find Alcohol Sobriety at Gratitude Lodge

At Gratitude Lodge in Long Beach and Newport Beach, CA, we specialize in treating alcohol addiction from detox to discharge and beyond.

Our supervised alcohol detox program allows you to access medications and emotional care to streamline the intensity of alcohol withdrawal, and teaches you how to get sober for good. After a week or so of detoxification, you can transition into ongoing inpatient treatment. All programs utilize a combination of MAT (medication-assisted treatment), counseling, psychotherapy, and holistic interventions.

For immediate assistance with beating alcohol addiction, call 800-994-2184 today.