Author: Gary Jackson

What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

A person recovering from alcoholism is encouraged to transition to outpatient treatment after completing his or her residential stay. Remember that alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, with a medical solution. Seeking online alcohol treatment is an act of self-care, and something to be proud of.

• They will likely be defensive about their alcohol use and may even deny that it’s beyond their control.
• Approximately 15 percent of those who relapse regress to the precontemplation stage, and approximately 85 percent return to the contemplation stage before progressing to the preparation and action stages.
• During this period, you can expect to develop new skills you may have never learned that made you more susceptible to AUD in the first place.
• Once stabilized, they will transition from detoxification from alcohol to treatment for alcoholism.
• Growth happens in discomfort, and it’s important to recognize challenging moments as learning opportunities.
• As a trained professional helps one work to resolve the internalized pain of the past, they will become able to start handling conflict without the destructive effect of alcohol.
• Maintaining these commitments makes you more likely to achieve your goals.

By this point, most physical withdrawal symptoms should have subsided and you should start to feel less anxious and more positive. While 12-step recovery programs can be helpful, they are not always the best choice for everyone. Just as the 12 steps outline the path to recovery for individuals struggling with addiction, there are also 12 Traditions that are the spiritual principles behind the 12 steps. The traditions focus on the importance of unity, effective leadership, and independence.

And Beyond: Embracing Change In Your Journey

During the precontemplation stage, a person is feeling the effects of their addiction but is not interested in changing their habits. They will likely be defensive about their alcohol use and may even deny that it’s beyond their control. It sometimes takes a big event for someone to understand that they have an alcohol use disorder, such as a legal issue or an intervention. After someone realizes they may have an issue with alcohol use, they can move onto the second stage. It’s easier to walk down a difficult path if you know where it leads. The recovery process takes time, effort, willpower and support, but the sober life at the end is worth it.

Dr. Okhifun is a passionate medical doctor, with over five years’ experience as a general practitioner. His passion for medical education led to his journey in medical writing. He also serves as medical coordinator and content writer for Gerocare Solutions, for which he also volunteers as a health advisor/consultant for the elderly.

Stage 3: Preparation

Although you may relapse and start drinking again, these programs can help you transition to sobriety much better. It is recommended that alcohol abuse recovery take place at an inpatient facility in more serious cases. Whatever the choice of treatment, some patients will embrace their new lives after being done with drinking. They’ll rediscover past hobbies and pleasant pastime or pick up new ones. Others will accept life without alcohol, but won’t pursue any other changes.