Recovery is like a roller coaster ride, so knowing what to expect in the first 30 days of recovery can make it less overwhelming. It takes a lot of discipline, patience and motivation. Trying to restore balance to the body is not as easy as it sounds. Those who are trying to recover and abstain from drugs and alcohol should highly consider getting professional help at an inpatient or residential treatment center, especially in the first 30 days.
The first month of sobriety will take the longest to pass. It will also be the most difficult on your body. You’ll need as much support as possible during this time. Let’s take a look at what you can expect in the first 30 days of recovery.
An Overwhelming Sensory Overload
Be prepared to feel overwhelmed over things that you may have never noticed before. Addiction and recovery will have a strong influence on your sensory systems. While in recovery, you’ll experience intense sensory overload.
The lights in the rooms may seem just a little too bright, and background chatter may seem just a little too loud. You may find that colors seem too bright or that your environment is too colorful. Just know that all of this is normal during your first months of sobriety. Everything may seem like too much to handle.
The good news is that everything will start to balance out. You’ll find it easier to manage your senses and your environment the longer that you are sober.
An Array of Health Complications
Another reason why many addiction experts recommend getting professional help is because most recovering addicts can usually expect to experience some health complications while recovering. Substance abuse is very damaging to the body.
When you were under the influence, you may not have noticed just how hard addiction had been on your body. You’re more likely to notice the damage that addiction has caused while trying to get clean. You may notice that drinking or doing drugs may have negatively affected and impacted your metabolic system, cardiac system, gastrointestinal tract and more.
The best way to combat health complications is to get regular check-ups. You should also start building healthier lifestyle habits. This may include eating healthier and more nutritious meals or getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. It’s also a good idea to maintain a healthy sleep schedule and to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Bombardment of Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
While medical detox can treat physical withdrawal symptoms, they may not necessarily completely treat psychological withdrawal symptoms. The first 30 days of sobriety are often the most difficult, and many substance abusers will have a tough mental battle to win.
Some of the most common psychological withdrawal symptoms that can be expected include:
- Intense cravings. While most recovering addicts report that they may experience cravings every now and then, the cravings tend to be at their worst during the first month of sobriety.
- Obsessions. Even if you don’t crave drinking or drugs, you may still obsess over these substances. Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs will often spend a lot of their time getting, using or recovering from the substances. When trying to recover, these individuals will often find that they have a lot of spare time on their hands. This spare time can breed obsession. Many people have a difficult time figuring out what they should do when living a sober life. This is why many rehab facilities recommend that clients pick up a hobby.
- Anxiety and depression. Mood swings are common during recovery. As the chemicals in your brain are still fluctuating wildly, you can expect to feel anxious, depressed or even paranoid.
After a month has passed, you will start to feel better emotionally and mentally. You may feel more prepared for a life of sobriety. Some psychological withdrawal symptoms may linger around for several more months.
A Foggy Mind
Various substances can have a profound impact on the mind. During the first 30 days of recovery, many recovering substance abusers often report that they feel as if their minds are fogged up. They may find it difficult to process complex thoughts. This is all normal.
As you approach 30 days of recovery, you’ll find that the fog will get lifted. You’ll have a clearer mind.
All This Can Lead to Relapse
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 40% to 60% of those who attempt to recover will relapse. The cravings and the difficulties of staying sober may cause them to turn back to drugs and alcohol.
It’s important to remember that relapse is a common occurrence for those who are hoping to achieve long-term sobriety. When you’ve relapsed, it’s vital that you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try and try again. You may need to attempt to stop drinking or doing drugs several times before you’ll succeed.
What Are Your Experiences with Recovery?
Here, at Amethyst Recovery, our only goal is to help clients achieve long-term recovery. We understand that recovery is extremely difficult. Many people struggle to lead sober lives even after receiving addiction treatment at a professional treatment center. No matter what your relationship with addiction and recovery may be, we’re here to help. Let us make your first 30 days sober as smooth, easy and comfortable as possible.
Have you tried quitting? Have you had some success or failures with recovery? Regardless of what your experiences may have been, leave us a comment below. We’d love to know what you’ve gone through and what worked for you.
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Laurel McGinnis
Brie Rodriguez
CORI BAIZA
JOHN GAU
MARK GUDIM
Jeffrey M. Bishop, D.O.
AMANDA MARINELLI, DNP, BBA, AG NP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP
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