Does Sobriety Get Easier?

People decide to get sober for all sorts of reasons. They may be aware of the damage that alcohol and other drugs are doing to their mental and physical health. Addiction can wreck families and relationships. It can affect work, studies and every other aspect of your life. Some people don’t like the person and the way they behave or treat others when they drink or use drugs. Others are simply tired of their life being dominated by drugs and alcohol.

Whatever the reasons behind it, choosing to get sober is always a brave and positive step forward. It can be more easily said than done though. Overcoming addiction is very challenging and it is an ongoing process.

But does sobriety get easier over time? The good news is that most recovering addicts would say it does, with the benefits of sobriety far outweighing the difficulties.

The Early Stages of Sobriety

Sobriety can refer to getting clear of the effects of any mind-altering substance, but it is most commonly applied to alcohol.

Alcohol, in common with many other types of drug, is an addictive substance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a “chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences”. It adds that it “involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control” that “may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs”.

Alcohol and other drugs can also cause physical dependence, which is when the system adjusts to the constant or regular presence of the substance. Alcohol, for example, acts as a depressant, suppressing central nervous system (CNS) activity, so the system produces more chemicals that stimulate this activity. When you remove the alcohol you are left unbalanced and can experience a range of unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

These can include both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms and can include:

• Anxiety
• Shaking
• Cramps
• Profuse sweating
• Nausea
• Insomnia

More serious withdrawal symptoms, including the condition known as delirium tremens, can include hallucinations, confusion, fever and seizures.

Most of the physical withdrawal symptoms should have peaked in the first 72 hours but psychological symptoms and cravings can last a lot longer.

Coping Mechanisms and Strategies

Professional help and medical supervision can help you to manage any withdrawal symptoms and initial cravings as you go through detox – the early stages of sobriety when your system adjusts back to functioning normally. This is a crucial part of any recovery but it is only the beginning of the journey.

The most effective way to deal with addiction is to attend a holistic addiction recovery programme like rehab. This will help you get through detox but will also address the psychological aspects of addiction and the root causes of drinking or substance misuse. Relapse prevention sessions will also provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to maintain your sobriety.

Coping techniques can vary from person to person and identifying your own triggers can be a very important step in staying sober. Avoiding situations, places and people associated with your former substance misuse is generally a good idea, especially in the early stages. Building a routine and adopting a generally healthier lifestyle can also be valuable and it’s important to have a support network in place.

Some coping mechanisms and strategies when cravings and temptations do arise could include:

• Look for distractions – many people find taking up new hobbies and pastimes can help.
• Try relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness.
• Remember the negative consequences of substance use and the positive reasons for choosing sobriety.
• Talk through cravings and challenging moments. Friends, family, support groups and professional aftercare programmes are all very valuable. Helplines can also provide vital support when you need it.
• Use psychological techniques such as accepting and externalising cravings.

The Role of Time in Recovery

The challenges of sobriety can be very difficult to deal with, but they do tend to get better over time. Most withdrawal symptoms will improve over the short to medium term as your brain chemistry returns to normal. Emotions should also start to stabilise although some mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can linger. It can certainly help to get professional help for any such issues.

One man named Paul who underwent rehab told the charity Alcohol Change that he felt “zombified” in the initial stages of recovery. He added that, while sobriety certainly had its challenges, life had “just got better and better and so much easier in sobriety”.⁵

Long-term Benefits of Staying Sober

Alcohol and drug addiction and misuse can take a huge toll on many aspects of your life. Alcohol, for example, is a socially acceptable drug but is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. Quitting drinking or even cutting the amount you can drink can being huge benefits for both your physical and mental health.

Getting sober can help improve or mend relationships damaged while drinking or using drugs, improve your career or work prospects and generally pave the way for a more positive life moving forward

Common Misconceptions About Sobriety

Some people might believe that they need to drink or use drugs to have fun, or that sobriety is boring. It is true that many people go through an adjustment period as they make changes to their lifestyle and find a new way of living. In the long term, almost everyone recovering from addiction or serious substance misuse issues finds far more fulfilment and joy with a sober lifestyle.

Seeking Help and Staying Committed

Breaking free of addiction, getting sober and staying that way can be very difficult, but evidence-based treatment programmes can vastly improve your chances of making a full and long-lasting recovery. Rehab can help you to get through the initial cravings and withdrawal symptoms of detox, as well as addressing the root causes and psychological aspects and providing you with the tools you need to maintain that recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drinking or drug use, get in touch today to find out how we can help. For more info, call us now at 0151 268 6992.

Posted on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 at 10:23 am in Addiction, Alcoholism.