Sober living does not happen overnight. Those who want to break the chains of alcohol addiction should understand that getting sober takes time, focus, and professional help. While the detox process is the beginning of the sobriety process, it is by no means the end. In fact, addiction is a chronic condition, which means you will need to work to remain sober each day. However, it is possible to do so with a treatment center such as Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida in Jupiter, we work with our patients daily to help them get treatment. We also do what we can to give them the tools to support their abstinence so that they can remain sober for longer periods. If you have questions about becoming sober, please reach out to the Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida team today at 866.294.5306.
What are the Stages of Becoming Sober?
Although we live in a quick-fix culture with technology solving many of our problems, sober living isn’t something a smart-phone app can fix. Sober living comes from real-life effort, determination, and professional support. Professionals in the addiction recovery sector look at the road to recovery through different lenses. But it’s safe to understand the sobriety process in the following four stages.
- Detox treatment
- Initial abstinence
- Sobriety maintenance
- Ongoing recovery
This model reflects those developed by alcohol and drug abuse recovery organizations. But the fine details highlight what it takes to become sober and remain that way.
What to Expect During Detox Treatment
Regardless of the circumstances that placed you in rehab, the detox process ranks among the most challenging. Withdrawal symptoms typically start within six hours after your last drink. Alcohol withdrawal side effects can steadily worsen during the first three days. These symptoms usually include the following.
- Anxiety
- Rapid heart rate
- Tremors
- Fever
- Hallucinations
Navigating the initial rehab process requires perseverance. Try to remain vigilant and push back on quitting rehab even when the detox treatment becomes difficult. Lean on compassionate professionals who know the benefits of sober living that wait on the other side.
What to Expect During the Initial Abstinence Phase
This part of the process usually runs for about 90 days. During your initial abstinence from alcohol, professional treatment, care, and support remain critical. During this early stage of getting sober, people experience ongoing cravings.
These can manifest physically and psychologically. Alcohol cravings can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or interactions with people using drugs or alcohol. Professional treatment and support systems emphasize how to deal with triggers and peer pressure. They can also help people in recovery to develop sobriety strategies. In many cases, a treatment center does this through a range of therapeutic options, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
These therapies allow people to understand why they use alcohol and give them the tools to manage cravings outside of treatment.
Maintaining Abstinence is a Long-Term Process
After someone successfully passes the 90-day mark, they are considered to be maintaining their sobriety. Those that started the process in inpatient treatment tend to move to outpatient care. During this phase of the process, a great deal of focus is on avoiding a relapse.
Recovery is an Ongoing Process
Even after years of sober living, the risk of alcohol addiction remains a reality. That’s why people often adopt advanced life skills. These typically include a readiness to set long-term goals, form lasting relationships, and find ways to immerse yourself in a peaceful lifestyle. Becoming sober and remaining that way requires people to take one day at a time.
Get Professional Support at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Sober living is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It involves a lifetime commitment to complete one sober day after another. However, it is possible with the help of a professional treatment center. If you want to improve your quality of life by becoming sober, call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today.
