In many cases of alcohol addiction, medical detox is required before the alcohol recovery process can begin. In these situations, medical professionals are on hand to make sure that any withdrawal symptoms are relieved as much as possible, so you can focus on recovery without added pain and discomfort. Here’s what else you should know about the recovery process following detox.
1. It’s not just about quitting
Quitting drinking cold turkey is one of the most common ways that people try to achieve a new, alcohol-free lifestyle, but the truth is that cold turkey isn’t always successful. In fact, research suggests that less than half of people who simply stop using alcohol are able to remain sober for more than one year after their last drink. It’s not just about quitting, it’s also about learning what healthy ways you can cope with stress and other problems, instead of turning to alcohol in an effort to soothe your emotions or temporarily escape reality. There are many resources online where you can read more about it and this can be very useful. Some people like the idea of attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where they can meet with others who are facing similar challenges and work towards sobriety together. Not everyone likes this option, however, some people simply do not like this group and don’t want to be confronted with these aspects. There are many other options that you can find online through a simple search, but it’s important that even if you don’t choose Alcoholics Anonymous as your recovery option, you still work on building a solid support network for yourself.
2. Medical professionals can help
There are many medical professionals out there who can help those recovering from alcohol addiction. They can not only provide prescriptions for medication that will ease your withdrawal symptoms and aid in the recovery process, but they can also offer other support such as therapy and counseling services. You’ll also be able to work on developing healthy coping mechanisms that don’t involve drinking so that if you do face certain situations where you feel like reaching for a drink again could be an option, you’ll know how to cope without taking such drastic measures. There is inpatient and outpatient care available, depending on your needs and what you are most comfortable with. Inpatient care is generally only required when you are suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, while outpatient care is generally suitable for people who are able to make it through sober or experience milder withdrawal symptoms.
3. It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed
It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed during the recovery process. You may be upset that you have lost something that was once a part of your life, even if it was doing more harm than good. There are ways to deal with these feelings, though. Alcoholism is an illness that affects not only the person drinking but also his or her family and other loved ones. If you can find other people who are going through similar struggles, you’ll be able to discuss your feelings about what has happened to them. It will help keep you accountable for your actions as well as provide moral support throughout this difficult time in your life. The other option is counseling sessions, where you can delve into any negative emotions that are impacting your life without putting too much weight on your shoulders. The physical changes are often what people notice in the early stages of sobriety when they are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Your emotions will be influenced by this change as well, which is why it’s important to develop positive coping strategies before attempting to quit drinking for good.
4. It’s important to take care of yourself during recovery
During the early stages of your sobriety, you’re going through a lot of changes, and it’s essential that you take care of yourself during this time. There will be physical and emotional changes that may be challenging to deal with, so taking extra care of yourself by eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercises can help. Another thing you should do is to try to get enough sleep each night because if you are tired all the time, your recovery is going to be much harder. Most people are always on the go when they are drinking heavily or even if they are social drinkers, but now that these activities aren’t possible anymore, you’ll need to find some other things to occupy your time with. Find hobbies or meet up with friends who don’t drink alcohol either. If there are no other options for hobbies in your life, then finding another form of exercise you can enjoy is also a great idea. Taking care of yourself while going through the recovery process is very important to ensure that you’re able to stay healthy and strong while getting sober.
The recovery process can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. You might feel like you want to give up or that your situation cannot improve, but this feeling is normal and will pass with time. If you are finding it difficult to stay sober for an extended period of time, consider trying out different options for help.
