Addiction recovery is a vicious cycle of overwhelming challenges and choices an individual must make, especially when first starting the journey. The road to recovery is long and arduous, as individuals have to change a lot about themselves and their lifestyles.
If you have a friend or family member who struggles with substance use, learning about the process and what to expect in the first month of abstinence can help you better support your loved ones and guide them.
Your loved one may have already reached out for help or you may be on the hunt for ways to help them when they are ready to accept that help. When the recovery journey begins, the individual struggling with substance use must first accept that they need help. Forcing them to get it is not advised, as many individuals struggling with substance use do not yet think they need help, find it difficult to open up, or are afraid to ask for help.
Sadly, there is much misinformation about the recovery process, which can lead many individuals astray, especially when it comes to finding support for treatment. If you or your loved one have reached the acceptance stage, the next step is to understand what recovery will look like. Primarily, recovery expectations can mean changes in lifestyle choices, changes in emotional thoughts and behaviors, and changes in environmental influences.
Many people are not aware of the necessity of these changes, especially when they are struggling with substance use. This disorder can come in all shapes and forms, and the first stage in the recovery journey is a courageous step of acceptance, which should not be looked down upon.
All of these are changes are necessary to the process. Each aspect is taken step-by-step, so those struggling with substance use can have the opportunity to build the foundation of a new lifestyle without being overwhelmed. Those who admit to needing help should be recognized for their amazing first step, and know that radical acceptance is the beginning of healing. After that, it is time for the first month of abstinence.
The first month of abstinence is typically one of the most challenging periods in addiction recovery. Most individuals who begin treatment for their substance use disorder will spend their first month in a residential treatment center where they can be medically monitored during detox to rid their bodies of substances.
Fortunately, the time it takes to eliminate the substances from the body is relatively quick, but learning how to address the emotional elements of substance use can take longer. While each individual differs in how long detox takes based on their personal makeup, the type of substance used, and frequency and duration of use, detox typically lasts around a week. The rest of the month is taken up by various other treatments.
The first month of abstinence will include mental and physical support with professionals and guidance through withdrawal phases. This is all while the individual gets help with every element of the psychological and physical aspects of substance use. With the help of therapists, doctors, and support systems, individuals will learn how to better care for themselves without dependence on substances. Some of the problematic attributes of first-month abstinence can include withdrawals, which may impact the individual's health as they become clean.
Often, the withdrawals and dramatic lifestyle changes are painful and challenging to handle, but this is why this stage is done at a treatment facility with the help of professionals. Another common feature in first-month abstinence is that the individual may see changes and feel a sense of overwhelm. With the extreme mood shifts and sensory overload, individuals will have to process personal, physical, emotional, and mental challenges as they leave behind substances.
Some individuals may struggle with multiple health conditions such as mental health issues or other unique physical needs. This first month is a critical time in addiction recovery, and it is when the individuals need the most medical and professional support. Co-occurring mental illnesses should be dealt with concurrently in the first month of treatment to make recovery most effective and sustainable.
While it is not easy to recover from substance use disorder, each individual’s situation is different from the next. Sometimes the process can take longer than one month, and sometimes people might be successful in their recovery journeys after less time. If you or your loved one are recovering from substance use, transitioning through the stages with help can make the process easier. Recovery specialists exist to help others in need, so using these resources can make all the difference.
The first month of abstinence from substance use is often the most difficult. It starts with the hard step of acceptance and admitting the need for help, followed by detox and early treatment. While it is not easy, the hard work in the first month of recovery is worth it. You or your loved one deserves the best attention and guidance in the recovery journey, and we are here to help. At NorthStar Transitions, we understand that there is an overwhelming amount of information about treatment and the first month of abstinence, so we commit to giving you accurate and helpful answers to any questions you might have. It is time to get support for yourself and for your loved one to find help for substance use and get the encouragement you need as well as the guidance to reclaim your life or help your loved one reclaim theirs. Call (303) 558-6400 for more help.
