When you first quit drinking or drugging, you’ll experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms like cravings, headaches, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Many of these symptoms will subside in a month’s time, but in the meantime, you’ll need to be patient and ride out the storm. Here are some other things you can expect during the first month of sobriety.
It is a difficult road towards your healing, but it's one that you don’t need to face alone. Having support through family, friends, support groups, or sober livings, through the trials of recovery, makes it a little easier.
Having cravings in the first months is unavoidable, but if you know how to handle them, it will make your journey less complicated. Some of these tips might help you ride the cravings-
Joining a support group is a great way to meet people who are in the same boat as you. Here are some reasons why you should consider joining a support group-
You can find a support group in your area by visiting the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse or SAMHSA websites. Another option is to join an online support group. There are plenty of options out there, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The vast majority of sober living also have regular support group meetings on-site.
While it's a difficult journey mentally and physically, the first time also comes with a lot of physical changes that might cause discomfort. Being aware of these changes is important to help you manage and be prepared for them. Some of these are-
The first month of sobriety is critical to long-term recovery because it lays the foundation for the rest of your journey. During this time, your body undergoes detoxification and begins to heal from the physical damage caused by substance use.
The first month also provides the opportunity to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, emotions, and triggers without turning to alcohol or drugs. These new habits and strategies are vital for avoiding relapse and handling future challenges.
You also begin to establish a sober routine that supports your well-being, including activities and practices that promote growth and stability. Emotional and mental health are also at the forefront during this time, as your brain adjusts to life without substances. Therapy, support groups, and self-reflection help address any emotional turbulence and build resilience, which is crucial for long-term success. You're also more vulnerable to relapse, making it a pivotal time for seeking support and creating a strong support network.
It is a time of transformation where you start shaping your new identity as a sober individual. This shift is essential for maintaining long-term sobriety and ensuring that recovery becomes an integral part of your life.
Individuals who follow a structured routine during their recovery have a much easier time avoiding relapse later in their journey as well. Having a routine helps you keep a check on your cravings and urges as well as plan things better to keep your mind distracted during the initial difficult time. Some tips that might help you establish a routine are-
Exercising daily is critical during the first month of sobriety. It will help ease your withdrawal symptoms and keep you busy and focused on your recovery. Research shows that regular cardiovascular exercise reduces cravings.
It will also boost your immune system, release endorphins, improve your sleep, and help you release stress. There are many different types of exercise you can do, like yoga, jogging, hiking, weightlifting, and Pilates. Find one that resonates with you and stick with it. You can also join an exercise group or find an online exercise program to keep you motivated and help you stay on track.
Sober living houses are residential homes designed to help you get through the first few weeks or months of sobriety. You’ll get to share a home with other alcoholics and addicts who are also in the process of getting sober and trying to build up and live a sober life. At the same time, you’ll be surrounded by a team of supportive sober coaches and mentors who will help you navigate through your first few weeks of sobriety. These staff members will provide you with guidance, advice, and support as you transition into a sober lifestyle. You can also meet other people who are going through the same thing as you and make some new sober friends. Sober living homes come in many forms and have different levels of intensity.
Bridges Sober Living, located in West LA, offers sober living apartments for both men and women as they work to stay off drugs and alcohol and rebuild fulfilling new lives in recovery. If you are ready to make a change, reach out today!
NIDA. 2023, March 9. Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery.
Harvard Medical School. 2021, February 15. Protect your brain from stress. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. N.d. Recovery and Recovery Support. Retrieved on 2023, May 24 from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery