Drying Out: 3 Alcoholic Recovery Stages You'll Experience in Rehab

Drying Out: 3 Alcoholic Recovery Stages You'll Experience in Rehabrn3 Alcoholic Recovery Stages You'll Experience in RehabrnEntering rehab is the first step on the path to a sober life. Learn about the alcoholic recovery stages you or your loved one will go through in rehab. rnAre you looking into rehab for your alcohol addiction?rnWith treatment facilities all over the world, there are a few stages that remain the same that you need to prepare for.rnLet's talk about alcoholism and the three alcoholic recovery stages you will experience in rehab.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a very common condition that is often self-diagnosable when you understand the symptoms. Alcoholism can start in a variety of ways and can last a lifetime without proper treatment. This condition can lead to serious health issues including, but not limited to: • Liver diseasern• Kidney disordersrn• Brain damagern• Immune system dysfunctionrn• Cancer Studies show that over 15 million Americans struggle with alcohol-related disorders every year , and is ranked as the 4th leading preventable cause of death in the US. Luckily, there are treatment plans available for people suffering from alcohol addiction.

3 Alcoholic Recovery Stages

While most support groups and rehabilitation facilities offer 12-step programs, these are the most important steps to prepare for.

1. Taking Action

This is the first and most critical of the stages of treatment. The road to recovery can be scary for many, but understanding the benefits and taking the first step is what makes it possible. Whether you seek help voluntarily or you are forced to enter rehab, your recovery process begins with you beginning a treatment program. After recognizing the problem, initiating a plan to deal with it is critical. The longer it is put off, the less likely it is to happen.

2. Early Abstinence

This is where most people struggle. After initiating treatment and undergoing the process, you must abstain from the substance. This cannot happen without commitment. Many patients suffer continuing withdrawal symptoms, physical cravings, psychological dependence and many triggers that might make you relapse. That is why the professionals are there to help. They understand the emotional and physical pain their patients are feeling and begin teaching coping skills to help continue the progress. At this stage, many institutions begin to provide AA coins as a symbol of the patient's strength, courage, and persistence in their efforts, which motivates them to continue their progress.

3. Maintaining Abstinence

Even though many physical and psychological symptoms will subside by this point, this stage is no easy feat. This stage, beginning after around 90 days, is the longest part of the process. This is the stage where a patient would exit a rehab facility, but it is still best to have as much continued support as possible. Even if you are no longer in a rehab facility, the road to recovery is not over. Support groups like AA, family, and friends are the most important factors during this stage. Even with the coping skills, you'll learn in treatment; there is nothing wrong with extra help.

What to Do

These steps may seem intimidating. Psychologists believe that not knowing what lies ahead is the underlying source of all the fears we experience. When people look back at their lives, they tend to regret the opportunities they didn't take, more than the ones they did. Ask yourself: Would you rather look back and regret the few weeks you spent in treatment or the lifetime you spent struggling with addiction? Now that you know the alcoholic recovery stages don't do it for anybody else. Get the help you need today.