Alcohol Recovery Timeline: What Happens When You Stop Drinking

stages of alcoholic recovery

You might feel fine for days or weeks, and then suddenly, they hit you like a tsunami. For instance, getting enough sleep and exercise and eating well are good habits that make you a stronger person. You also want to find activities to replace drinking, things you can turn to when cravings strike. Other steps are to put together a support system of family and friends and to join a support group. Also, withdrawal symptoms are relieved immediately by consuming additional alcohol.

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  • Shift perspective to see relapse and other “failures” as opportunities to learn.
  • But some triggers can’t be avoided, and, further, the human brain, with its magnificent powers of association and thinking, can generate its own.
  • Their brain is changing—and without help, there can be serious long-term consequences.
  • S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 75 percent of people addicted to alcohol or drugs recover—their condition improves and substance use no longer dominates their life.

Too much alcohol can be toxic to liver cells, causing dehydration and permanent scarring—which ultimately affects the blood flow. With excessive alcohol consumption, this important organ can’t metabolize Vitamin D, which could develop into a deficiency. Some common signs and symptoms of cirrhosis include fatigue, itchy skin, weight loss, nausea, yellow eyes and skin, abdominal pain and swelling or bruising. By actively engaging in aftercare programs and maintaining a strong support network, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and sustain their recovery journey. Supportive networks can include friends, family members, support groups, or sponsors who provide encouragement, understanding, and accountability.

Stage 2: Seeking Help and Treatment

  • Recovery from an alcohol use disorder requires effort, time, willpower, and support.
  • People who are heavy drinkers or have been drinking for years are more likely to experience all four stages of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and more severe withdrawal symptoms.
  • The stages of alcohol rehabilitation provide a roadmap for individuals on their journey to recovery.

They typically have a trigger related to your environment and/or emotional state. These occasional uses can then become a regular part of your routine, like drinking every day after work instead of just during social events. It’s repetitive in nature since the act of taking addictive drugs releases dopamine, which reinforces the behavior—causing repetition.

Aftercare and Support Systems

stages of alcoholic recovery

It is typically the first step in alcohol recovery and aims to rid the body of toxins accumulated from alcohol abuse. Detoxification can be done in a medically supervised setting, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual going through the process. Once the need for change is acknowledged, the next step is accepting the reality of addiction. Acceptance involves understanding that alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that requires professional help and support to overcome. It requires individuals to let go of any notion of control over their drinking and recognize that they need assistance to break free from the cycle of addiction. By the third day, you may start to feel a sense of clarity and improved mental alertness as your body continues to detox.

Potential Predictors of Alcohol Use Disorders

However, it is important to remember that seeking help is a courageous and positive step towards stages of alcoholic recovery a healthier and happier life. The stages of alcohol rehabilitation provide a roadmap for individuals on their journey to recovery. Each stage serves a specific purpose and builds upon the previous one, creating a solid foundation for lasting change. The Stages of Change Model outlines the steps many take throughout the addiction recovery process. While every person’s journey to sobriety is unique, you may recognize yourself or a loved one in any of these stages. Recovery involves rebuilding a life— returning to wellness and becoming a functioning member of society.

  • Even if the trigger led to a relapse, you’ve still gained a tool for your future recovery and sobriety.
  • When someone stops drinking alcohol after a prolonged period of frequent use, the brain goes into overdrive and responds with a series of symptoms collectively known as withdrawal.
  • While the path to long-term sobriety can be challenging, it is achievable with the right support and approach.
  • After someone realizes they may have an issue with alcohol use, they can move onto the second stage.