It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting sober and staying sober long-term, but you don’t have to do it alone. It’s important to take things one day at a time, remember it’s always okay to start again, seek help when you need it, and celebrate milestones along the way.
Whether you’ve just decided to overcome your addiction to alcohol or are already working toward your one year sober milestone, congratulations! We are so glad you’re here.
What does the road to 1 year sober look like?
The first year of sobriety is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few key things to keep in mind as you work toward one year sober each day:
- The first 30 days are the most difficult.
After a medically assisted detox and during the first 30 days of sobriety, it may feel like a fog is beginning to lift around you. As your body gets rid of all the toxins, you may feel tired, sick, or even anxious. You may also experience a wider range of stronger emotions because alcohol has an overall negative effect on mental and emotional health. The Miramar Recovery Center inpatient treatment program offers 24-hour care, so you’ll always have the mental, physical and spiritual support you need when you need it. - The next 60 days involve a lot of self-exploration and emotion.
Once the fog has lifted, you may experience feelings of sadness or confusion about your relationship with alcohol. Shame, guilt, and depression are all normal emotions to process during this phase of recovery. The good news is the skilled and compassionate specialists at Miramar Recovery Center can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms so you can navigate these emotions more easily without alcohol. - At 6 months, you’ll begin to feel confident in your sobriety.
Six months can be a turning point for those struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Not only are you aware of your triggers, but you also have the skills to cope with them. Not only do you begin to like feeling sober, but you also feel more confident in sober social situations. However, it’s important to remain vigilant in this newfound confidence to avoid potential relapse. - After a year of sobriety, you’ll feel like a new person and secure in your sobriety.
One year sober from alcohol is a huge accomplishment and one that should be applauded. It’s reinforcement that you can do hard things and live a happy, sober life. It’s also time to recommit to a life of sobriety and a continuing care plan to ensure long-lasting healing. Depending on your unique situation, Miramar Recovery Center offers highly individualized plans you can follow (and optimize) for as long as you need.
Alcohol is highly addictive and often leads to an alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic and relapsing disease. If you do relapse, don’t view it as a failure but as an opportunity to return to treatment or modify your continuing care plan.
Benefits of living sober
Here are some of the many benefits of overcoming your addiction to alcohol:
- You feel healthier
Alcohol has a profound effect on the mind, body, and soul. When you’re sober, your organs don’t have to work so hard to process the alcohol. And without the toxic substances in your body, you’ll feel more alert, energized, and focused. - You sleep better
Drinking alcohol can change both the length and quality of your sleep. Though you may struggle to fall asleep when you first get sober, you will soon sleep peacefully throughout the night and feel more rested the next day. - Your mental health improves
Diet, sleep, and overall health have a direct and positive effect on your mental health. As your lifestyle improves, you will find that your emotions are more stable and you feel happier overall.
It’s important to remember that triggers will test your sobriety throughout your life, so it’s important to develop positive coping strategies to manage them and maintain a positive support network of other sober people.
Miramar Recovery Center offers individualized inpatient or outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse at each of our five conveniently located rehabilitation facilities. Whether you’re thinking about getting sober or are working toward your 1 year sober from alcohol milestone, we offer several treatment programs and will stay connected to you as long as you need. Individualized continuing care plans are available to help you stay on track with your sobriety long-term. Call 949-691-5036 to take the first step toward your 365-day token and long-lasting health.
