Overcoming an alcohol use disorder doesn’t happen during detox. It doesn’t take place during the subsequent rehab, either. In fact, an alcohol recovery timeline shows healing to continue for an extended period. Are you ready to get started to reap the benefits of this decision today?
The Beginning of the Alcohol Recovery Timeline is Hardest
You decided to stop drinking. The withdrawal symptoms will be uncomfortable, but they allow you to break the physiological dependence. You’ll notice some definite advantages early on. Blood sugar levels even out, and you’ll begin to crave healthy foods.
Over time, you’ll gradually re-establish healthy sleep patterns. In particular, your deep sleep cycles will lengthen and contribute to the quality of your rest. Hydration and nutritional supplementation will also help your body to regain equilibrium. Now is a good time to check into a rehab facility to counteract the psychological part of the addiction.
How Rehab Facilitates Further Healing
You’re no longer physically addicted to alcohol, but the cravings are still there. Psychotherapy assists you with overcoming them. In the process, you learn about what makes you reach for a drink in the first place. Therapists use modalities such as:
- Gender-specific group therapy settings that provide safe spaces for sharing, personal growth, and self-esteem building
- Dual diagnosis assessments and relevant treatments for possible co-occurring conditions that may affect alcohol abuse
- Cognitive behavioral therapy during one-on-one talk therapy sessions to open doors to uncovering negative patterns you want to change
- Experiential therapy that lets you apply hands-on activities as part of your healing; doing so benefits individuals who dislike formal sessions
- Holistic treatments, which ensure that procedures meet not just your psychological but also your physical and spiritual needs
The best way to experience these alcohol recovery treatments is during a inpatient rehab stay. Other options include partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs. An intake counselor can help you decide on the best delivery method for the modalities. During this time, you continue to move along a personal alcohol recovery timeline.
You may notice a betterment of your motor skills. Your memory will work better. Nutritious food, moderate exercise, and proper hydration may lead to some weight loss and skin improvements. At the six-month mark, you’ll feel more energetic and self-confident.
The Most Difficult Part of the Alcohol Recovery Timeline is the Starting Point
Before you even consider handling withdrawal symptoms, you must come to terms with your condition. You’ll need to acknowledge that you have an alcohol use disorder. Next, you’ll have to find a way to tell others that you’re going to quit drinking. For many, this is the most difficult part of the process.
People don’t always react positively when you spell out your plans for healing and self-improvement. In the process, you may uncover some unhealthy relationships and peer groups that you belong to. Remember that the six-month mark of recovery will present you with a drastic improvement in your current life situation.
Moreover, you don’t have to go it alone. The friendly therapists at Pinnacle Peak Recovery want to be a part of your healing process. Our expert counselors routinely help people overcome alcohol use disorders and move forward toward sobriety. Call 866-377-4761 today for immediate assistance.