Alcohol addiction is like a thief in the night that takes over physically, mentally, and emotionally. The quest to quit is tricky because of what it does to the brain. Alcohol produces chemical imbalances in neural circuits and can cause toxicity as it rewires the brain.
Consistent drinking can and will eventually damage regions of the brain that are involved in decision-making, memory, attention, impulse control, sleep, regulation, emotion regulation, and many other functions. Once an alcohol use disorder (AUD) develops and worsens, these brain changes make it extremely difficult to stop.
Let us first tell you that extremely difficult does not mean impossible. We believe in you and know there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if it requires a bumpy and painful journey to get there. Oh, how the light is so worth it!
What you don’t want to do is give up before you get to that light, and knowing what to expect can help you adjust your expectations for the healing journey. While everyone’s journey to sobriety is different, here’s an idea of what you can expect during the first year of quitting drinking.
The Timeline
Day One After Quitting
That first step is the hardest, but if you can accomplish your goal of going 24 hours without alcohol, then you can do anything. One day without alcohol will build a foundation of faith in yourself that you can continue to build on in your recovery journey.
After a full day without alcohol in your system, your body will start the detoxification process, and it’s normal to have withdrawals at this point. Giving into those withdrawals will make it 10X harder to stop for 24 hours next time. Remember this: the withdrawals are temporary. They will subside in a few days. Tell yourself that this is your first milestone in your recovery.
For individuals grappling with severe alcohol dependence, the journey through withdrawal can be particularly daunting, with symptoms that may demand expert medical attention. Without help, your detox experience can be far more difficult and risky than it needs to be. Contact our alcohol detox facilities in Utah and Idaho for help with medical detox.
Three-Day Mark
After three days without alcohol, you have reached an incredible milestone. At this point, the withdrawals may start to subside, and you may begin to feel like the version of yourself that you have missed. The timeline differs for everyone. Those who have been heavily drinking for many years may experience withdrawals for longer and may even become delirious and have hallucinations. In severe cases, seizures might occur. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention.
One-Week Mark
After one week, your body is starting to heal the effects that heavy drinking had on your body. Your risk for seizures and heart disease will decrease. Alcohol may have previously raised your blood pressure. At this point, your blood pressure will likely start to decrease, and your heart won’t have to work as hard. In the next few weeks, your liver may begin to repair itself. Congratulations on making this change for your physical health and for making it this far.
One-Month Mark
Hitting that one-month mark feels AMAZING! Not only is it a huge accomplishment, but you will likely feel physically, mentally, and emotionally incredible. Withdrawal symptoms are typically in the rearview mirror at this stage, and you will likely notice a shift in your overall well-being and mental state. Patients often report a more positive, uplifting attitude at the one-month mark.
The brain is also gaining back impulse control and sleep regulation.
Six-Month Mark
Half a year without drinking? This point is an incredible milestone. If you’re in an Alcoholics Anonymous group or at an alcohol rehab center, gaining your six-month chip will feel like climbing half of Mt. Everest. You did it, even when it seemed impossible. Your liver function will likely have improved dramatically, and you will likely be less at risk for cancer. You may have noticed a new level of energy and stamina. An added perk: your skin is glowing like it hasn’t glowed in a long time.
One-Year Mark
Hitting the one-year mark of sobriety is a monumental, joyful milestone. It’s a testament to your dedication, strength, and faith. According to statistics at our rehab facilities, most individuals are much more likely to remain sober after reaching that one-year milestone in their sobriety journey.
In addition, the one-year mark might be when you notice you don’t need as much intervention and tools to stay sober. You might reduce your therapy appointments and feel less dependent on your support groups and sponsors. Remember to move at a comfortable speed; there is no one way to navigate sobriety. Do what you feel is right. It’s good practice to remain in a support group at least once a week, and now it’s time for you to inspire others in the beginning stages of their sobriety. After all, you know exactly how it feels.
The path to kicking an alcohol addiction to the curb is not easy, but it is worth it. Looking at sobriety with a broad scope can be intimidating and overwhelming, so take it one step at a time. It’s not a race; be patient with yourself and your unique timelines. If it takes you longer than others, hang in there and keep trying. First, focus on one day without a drink. Then, make a goal to stay away from alcohol for three days, then one week, and before you know it, you’ll be crying tears of joy as you reach day 365.