Guide to the Alcohol Recovery Timeline‍

If you are on the path to recovery, you may be wondering what the heck happens in your body, and when these changes take place.  Knowing these facts can be motivating and can help to keep you on track with your sobriety as well.  The timeline can be different for each person and will vary depending on multiple factors, such as the severity of your alcohol consumption, the duration of your use, and your overall health.  Age may also be a factor in your recovery speed.

Take a look below at the general timeline of what happens to your body when you quit drinking alcohol.  

1. First 24 Hours: Immediate withdrawal symptoms:

Again, depending on how much you drink, this will vary from person to person.  Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, tremors, nausea, dehydration, and sweating.  If an individual has severe addiction, they may experience more intense symptoms, things as seizures or delirium tremens (DT) and these should be medically supervised.  If you suffer from alcohol addiction, please consult a medical professional before stopping to ensure your immediate safety.  

2. The First Week: Acute Withdrawal and Adjustment:

The first week can and is the most challenging for many people.  Your symptoms will peak at around the 48–72-hour mark.  You may experience things like insomnia, fatigue, and headaches while your body is detoxing.  You could also experience irritability, mood swings, and food cravings.  It is so important to take the appropriate steps if you are addicted to alcohol during this phase, so if you have any questions as to whether you need medical support, please seek it immediately.  Post Acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may also be present, which could lead to the above-mentioned physical symptoms, plus psychological and emotional symptoms.  This is not a permanent condition and will subside over time.‍

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3. 2-4 weeks Early Sobriety:‍

During this phase, your physical symptoms will generally subside, but you may still be experiencing cravings and may also still have persistent emotional challenges.  This is when your body begins the healing phase, and it’s an important time in your sobriety.  Physical changes you may start to notice during this phase are things like improved liver function, better sleep, and increased energy.   On an emotional level, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsettled, and this is due to your brain recalibrating and beginning to get used to life without alcohol. It is so crucial to seek support at this time, things like finding a support system, coaching, therapy or 12-step programs will benefit you greatly.  You will get through this stage a lot easier if you seek out support.

4. 1-3 Months: Establishing New Habits:

This is where you really start to do the work.  Changing your habits means changing your life, and it does take some effort, time, and trial and error.  Working towards a new lifestyle needs to include ways to cope with emotions as they arise so that you can handle situations where you feel triggered and have an urge to drink.  Making these intentional adjustments to your life will result in a greater chance of success, and for some, without relapse.  Things you will want to work on incorporating during this time are new routines, new hobbies, and avoiding situations where alcohol is present.  Physically, you will notice some changes in the way you feel.  Mental clarity, mood, and overall health will improve, but if you suffer from PAWS, you may still be affected by mood swings, sleep issues anxiety.   This is all going to depend on the individual, but for most, you start to feel a lot better in this stage.

5. 3-6 Months: Mental and Emotional Recovery:

During this time, you will really start to feel like yourself again, whole and complete.  Your emotional state will have improved greatly, and you will feel more capable to start to tackle any existing emotional challenges that may exist.  This is a good time to seek support that you may need to help you to enhance your mental health.  This period is also a crucial time to begin to develop long-term strategies to prevent relapse, including how to deal with stress, anxiety, or social situations without alcohol.    You should start to also benefit from improved communication skills, healthier relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.  

6. 6 Months and beyond: Long -Term Sobriety:

The benefits from long-term sobriety are vast.  Many people experience a multitude of positive changes in their lives from simply removing alcohol from their lives.  At this point your health will have greatly improved, your finances will have improved, your relationships, communication and life balance will be better.  You may still experience the occasional craving for alcohol, but you will be equipped to face it.  Cravings at this point will be less frequent and could very well be environmental.  Choosing to focus on the positives will help you to confidently overcome them.  Continuing in your sober success program of choosing is still highly recommended during the first year of sobriety.  Some people choose to maintain participation in this for their life.  It all depends on the individual, and their needs.  Alcohol recovery is a journey, and it changes as you grow, learn, adapt and practice abstaining.

Life without alcohol is rewarding.  Living with good health, positive intention and achievement are all part of the human experience.  If you are getting sober, and are looking for some support, reach out to us.  We offer both one-on-one coaching as well as group coaching options.  If you require medical attention prior to stopping, please seek the appropriate medical advice today.

For more information visit: www.thecheatcode.academy

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