I’ll cut back to only the weekends. Just a little bit at the end of a long day. I’ll stop when work starts again. I’ll quit drinking after two.
Maybe some of these forms of self-talk are familiar to you–and just as familiar may be how ineffective they are in managing your own, or a loved one’s, substance use. If you find yourself unable to control your own substance use–perhaps you’ve taken an alcohol screening test and are troubled by the results–then it may be time to reach out for high-quality professional help.
But starting the journey to recovery comes with many questions. How long does addiction recovery take? What are the stages of alcohol detoxification? Is there a set addiction recovery timeline to help anticipate what’s coming?
And most importantly, is a better life possible?
First Stages of Recovery: Beginning the Journey
The answer, thankfully, is yes. Millions of people have found their way to health and wholeness out of the pain of addiction. Their experiences have much to teach us about an addiction recovery timeline, offering a blueprint for what the journey may look like.
Studies have shown that there are generally five stages of addiction recovery, with the first being precontemplation.
During this stage, a person may not even be aware that they are unable to control their substance use–though friends and family may begin to worry about the changes they see unfolding in their loved one.
Complicating matters is the fact that many people suffering from addiction are actually suffering simultaneously from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In fact, some studies have shown that nearly half of those who struggle with mental illness will also develop substance use disorder. Addiction and anxiety or depression go hand in hand, and it can be difficult for a person to tell where one struggle ends and the next begins.
Eventually, however, many people with substance use disorder will enter the contemplation stage–beginning to realize that their behaviors are having negative effects on those around them but not yet taking concrete steps to change.
This stage hopefully translates into decision: taking ownership of their lives and committing to making a change.
Taking Action: A Timeline for Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol
The next stage–action–is where true change begins. The person suffering from addiction puts feet to their decision and takes concrete steps towards recovery.
What can this look like? Some people choose intensive outpatient treatment, wherein they are still able to sleep at home, possibly even to continue work, but spend allotted amounts of time (often daily) at a recovery center engaging in talk therapy, group sessions, and other therapies.
However, for the most immersive, supportive experience, many choose residential treatment. These treatment centers–particularly holistic residential treatment centers–surround the patient with compassionate care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many offer luxury services in pristine natural surroundings, such as Vermont, so that patients can put all of their energy towards healing.
But how does that healing unfold?
Though every person’s journey is unique, there are certain aspects of the addiction recovery timeline that are common to all:
- Detox– addiction physically rewires the brain, causing brain cells to forget how to function without a substance. The first step is to clear all toxins out of the body. This initial stage can last up to seven days, and can include symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia, fever, or–in severe situations–seizures or hallucinations.
- Early abstinence– 30 days 60 days 90 days sobriety is considered early abstinence. This stage is crucial for learning new coping mechanisms for life’s struggles, whether that be combining depression and addiction treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction or developing a strong network of peer support for accountability and companionship.
- Maintaining abstinence– beyond 90 days, continued therapy, lifestyle changes, and support systems help maintain sobriety
- Advanced recovery– first year of sobriety–it is said that a person suffering from addiction is “always in recovery,” and that recovery is progress, not perfection. Advanced recovery is where a lifestyle of sobriety begins to be lived out.
These stages are outlines of what may be expected, not predictions; each person in recovery will bring their own experience to the table. Some people may want detox and withdrawal management services, perhaps at a luxury facility for maximum comfort, to help with symptoms. Some may take months to get to an advanced recovery stage, while others may get there more quickly. So much depends on co-occurring conditions, individual backgrounds and experiences, and personality, to name a few.
What About Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
For some recovering from addiction, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is something to be contended with. PAWS refers to a set of persistent, often fluctuating symptoms that can occur after the acute phase of withdrawal from substances. While the most intense withdrawal symptoms usually resolve within days or weeks, PAWS can last for months and, in some cases, longer, impacting a person’s recovery milestones in addiction.
PAWS is thought to result from the brain’s gradual process of recalibrating after prolonged substance use. Long-term use can disrupt chemical systems related to mood, stress response, sleep, and cognition. As these systems slowly normalize, people may experience intermittent symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, and mood swings. These symptoms often come in “waves,” with periods of improvement followed by sudden re-emergence.
Although PAWS can be distressing, understanding it can help individuals stay engaged in recovery. Professional support is vital when dealing with PAWS.
Take the Next Steps to Recovery at Sana in Vermont
Whether you are wondering how long is rehab, or what to expect from drug detox, we have answers for you at Sana at Stowe. Nestled in the picturesque natural beauty of rural Vermont, our luxury facilities will provide you with everything you need for the best start to lifelong recovery, from holistic therapies to community building to training on the importance of sleep in addiction recovery.
We accept insurance as well from in-network providers, so our top-of-the-line facilities and research-based therapies are accessible to all.
So if you or a loved one are ready to start your own journey towards addiction recovery, download our addiction treatment guide and reach out to Sana at Stowe today. We are one call away at 866-575-9958.
