Mia
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to know what to expect during the recovery process. It is a serious disease that can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life. You have to seek help from a qualified professional if you want to recover from alcohol addiction. In this article, you will learn about six things that you can expect when trying to recover from alcohol addiction.
Physical Symptoms
The first thing you’ll experience once the process starts is in your body. Research done by HillcrestRecovery.com has shown that the withdrawal symptoms during the detoxing period can last up to a week, and in some cases, even longer. Physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, shaking, sweating, and headaches. You may also experience fatigue and flu-like symptoms. It’s important to remember that these physical symptoms are not dangerous and will eventually subside.
If you’re experiencing any of these physical symptoms, the best thing you can do is rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medications can help with some of the discomforts, but it’s always best to check with your doctor first. If you’re feeling particularly anxious or overwhelmed, reach out to a friend or loved one for support.
Psychological Symptoms
It’s common knowledge that depression and anxiety can hit hard after quitting drinking. But there are other psychological symptoms that can make early sobriety extremely difficult.
For example, insomnia is a common problem for people in early recovery. This is because alcoholics often develop a dependence on alcohol to help them sleep. When they stop drinking, they may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
Another psychological symptom that can be difficult to deal with is irritability. Alcoholics often become angry and aggressive when they’re drunk. So when they give up alcohol, they may find themselves feeling more irritable than usual. This can be tough to deal with, especially for those who are trying to maintain sobriety in their personal lives and at work.
Lastly, cravings can be a psychological symptom that makes recovery difficult. When an alcoholic stops drinking, they may find themselves constantly thinking about alcohol and feeling the urge to drink again.
The 12 Steps Program
You’ve probably heard about the 12 steps program associated with recovery. The steps are the following:
- Honesty
- Faith
- Surrender
- Soul searching
- Integrity
- Acceptance
- Humility
- Willingness
- Forgiveness
- Maintenance
- Making contact
- Service
All of these are important factors in the process of recovering from alcohol addiction. You can’t just go through the motions and check the boxes, you have to really commit to the program and put in the work. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. If you’re struggling with addiction, reach out for help. There are people who want to see you succeed. You are not alone.
The 12 steps program is just one of the things you can expect when recovering from alcohol addiction. It’s important to be honest with yourself, and with the people around you.
Therapy
Going to therapy is one of the most important things you can do when recovering from alcohol addiction. It will help you understand your addiction and give you tools to cope with triggers and cravings. It can be difficult to open up at first, but therapy is a safe space to talk about your thoughts and feelings.
Therapy can be done in individual or group settings. Individual therapy gives you the chance to work one-on-one with a therapist. This type of treatment can be more expensive, but it may be worth it for the extra attention. Group therapy is less expensive and can be just as effective.
Counseling
Finding a sponsor for counsel and support during your recovery is one of the most important things you can do. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and similar organizations exist in almost every community, and counseling is also available through government-funded programs and private therapists. You’ll need to talk about what’s going on with someone who will understand, and counseling provides a safe outlet to express yourself honestly without judgment.
Having a person to give you guidance, support and understanding are crucial when you’re in recovery. Counseling provides an outlet to express what you’re thinking and feeling.
Medication
Many recovering addicts require medication to help with detox and withdrawal symptoms. It can also help to restore balance in the brain and reduce cravings. Some common drugs used in alcohol addiction recovery include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Medication is just one of the many tools that can be used to help someone recover from alcoholism. These drugs can be helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but they are not a cure.
Alcohol recovery is never easy, but it is necessary in order to lead a happy life. There will be physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal during detox and you’ll need to go through the 12 steps program. Therapy and counseling from sponsors will also be a good pillar of support, while meds can keep you healthy. It’s an important step in your life and you must do it right!
