How Long Does it Take to Get Sober?

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If you ask how long it takes to get sober, you might be referring to the time it takes to sober up after a number of drinks. In this article, we will discuss detoxification and sobriety, not the details of alcohol consumption versus metabolizing rates.

Detoxing, that is completely ridding your body of alcohol, can 10 days depending upon the severity of your disease. The three stages of detoxification are: acute withdrawal, early abstinence, and protracted abstinence.

Acute withdrawal, is characterized by tremors, autonomic nervous system hyperactivity as well as the risk of delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures. Alcoholics who have been drinking for a long time are more prone more to DTs. Symptoms of DTs include: nausea, vomiting and insomnia, shaky hands, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, profuse sweating, gastrointestinal problems and dysregulation of body temperature. Furthermore, DTs are extremely dangerous and can cause death if not monitored by medical personnel. In DTs a person’s brain can go misfire. Normal lights and sounds can be extremely intensified. The mind can become very confused and incoherent. Objects in the room can appear as frightful snakes and spiders.

In early abstinence, sleep patterns are disrupted, mood plummets, and elevated levels of anxiety can occur. The anxiety can be resolved within three to six weeks after the last drink was consumed. Studies show that women take longer than men to pass through this stage of withdrawal.

The final stage of withdrawal is protracted abstinence. It can be marked by dysphoria, a state of deep dissatisfaction and unrest. A person may be provoked easily, crave alcohol and relapse. You’ve made it through a huge step in sobriety once your body has detoxified.

As mentioned, it can take ten days for your body to detox. It takes a lifetime to stay sober. You need motivation and a clear intention to stay sober. As recommended by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first step in sobriety is to admit you are an alcoholic and powerless over alcohol. Within the halls of AA, there are 12 Step Meetings. Following the suggestions of the 12 Steps is a good way to understand and practice time-proven ways towards a healthy sobriety.

Sobriety is a state of mind. Asking for help to stay sober is essential to long-last recovery. When we get sober we need the willingness to change. We need to believe in ourselves again. It takes time, and we have the rest of our lives ahead of us.

 

Evidence-based and built with passion. Our primary purpose at The Kimberly Center is to assist those who are suffering in finding recovery. Restoring a healthier, happier, more productive life, graduates of our program find themselves free from substance dependence and destructive behavior. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)

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