Understanding the Road to Sobriety

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The road to sobriety is paved with as many obstacles as it is illuminations. This simply means that there will be some difficulties as well as bright spots along the way. Above all, it’s a process that continues day by day, evolving along with you on your sober journey. Understanding what’s involved in getting sober may help you better navigate what’s to come.

The Beginning – Choosing A Treatment That’s Right For You

If you’ve determined that you have an addiction to alcohol, the next step involves choosing a treatment option. While some may decide that detox is necessary to get started, others may find outpatient treatment to be better suited for where they are at.

Alcohol Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is intensive and highly structured. It often takes place in a hospital or clinic setting. Putting distance between the drinking environment and the people associated with drinking is especially important in the early days. For those who are severely affected by withdrawal symptoms or who don’t feel that they can safely separate themselves from an environment that contributes to their drinking behavior, inpatient treatment may be the answer. Inpatient treatment takes care of all your daily living needs, and the duration may be anywhere from a 5-day detox to a 3-month recovery program.

Alcohol Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment options provide care, counseling, and guidance while allowing you to maintain your daily life and work as you get better. You will remain in your home and community while working closely with doctors and caregivers who will give you as much support as you need to succeed.

The Detox Process

Once treatment decisions have been made, many people will experience a period of detoxification, or “detox,” as the alcohol and other toxins are eliminated from the body’s systems. As with any major changes in the body, there may be a range of symptoms you will have to deal with, including:

  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Inability to sleep
  • Shaking
  • Physical illness
  • Hallucinations, paranoia, and more – in extreme cases

The good news is, these symptoms do not last very long, and the worst is usually over in less than a week. However, it may take you much longer to feel “normal” again without the alcohol in your system. The compulsion to drink may be very strong during this time, so having access to proper care is critical. Psychological as well as medical care may be necessary. Be sure to have these options sourced out before you begin.

In Recovery

Once you are feeling well again, you will be actively involved in your own recovery. This may involve continuing with a doctor’s supervision, attending 12-step meetings, and participating in counseling and therapy sessions. It is through this participation that you will gain a better understanding of the nature of your addiction and how it can be overcome along the road to sobriety.

Living In Sobriety – One Day At A Time

The truth about overcoming addiction is that recovery is a lifelong process. Even after you have come through the initial stages of detox and treatment, you must learn to make healthy choices for yourself to ensure that you don’t give in to your cravings. With a strong support system and making good use of the tools you’ve been given in treatment, your road to sobriety will be a road to recovery. Each day in sobriety is a journey. Stay focused, and remember, you are never alone.

Sober Living In Charleston, SCfront-of-house-700x500-2

If you are struggling with your sobriety and motivated to succeed, a sober living environment may be right for you. The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation provides men’s sober living residences in the beautiful coastal region of Charleston, SC, and would love to talk to you about how we can help.