Learn How To Truly Become Sober From Drugs & Alcohol

If you are reading this and wondering how to get sober, know that help is available, and recovery is possible. Millions of people have recovered from addiction to drugs and alcohol, and today they are living lives they once only dreamed of. In the beginning, when wondering how to get sober, all of the options and resources out there may feel overwhelming. You may have questions like, “What is detox and do I need it?” “What kind of treatment is right for me?” “What do I do after treatment?” These are all common questions, and we are here to break down the process for you of how to truly become sober from drugs and alcohol.

How To Become Sober

If you have made the decision to get sober, congratulations. This is monumental! Freedom from addiction to drugs and alcohol opens up a world of unimaginable possibilities. There are many resources out there to help guide a person to finding the addiction treatment help they need.

1. Professional Help

The internet can be an excellent resource, but it can also be quite overwhelming, so we recommend speaking to a counselor or an addiction specialist to help get you started in the right direction, and to avoid wasting precious time. An addiction specialist is well-versed in the ins and outs of addiction treatment options and can give suggestions for your unique situation and direct you to the proper care. You can call the substance abuse National Helpline to speak with someone, or reach out to an addiction specialist here. Both of these options are free of charge and fully confidential.

If you have a specific treatment center in mind that you would like to get more information about, call them and they will be able to walk you step-by-step through the process for attending that particular treatment center. They may also be able to refer you to other centers if that one is not the right fit for you.

The bottom line is that you do not have to do any part of the process of getting sober alone. There are people waiting to help you and guide you every single step of the way.

2. Detox

If necessary, detox will be the next step on how to get sober. A detox center or addiction treatment center will be able to assess whether or not detox is necessary for your circumstances. Detox is the medically-supervised process of ridding the body of toxins and chemicals from drugs and alcohol. A person with a substance addiction will typically experience symptoms of withdrawal during the detox process. Withdrawal symptoms may include drug cravings, fatigue, chills, sweating, headache, agitation, or anxiety. The detox process generally lasts several days. For some substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, withdrawing without medical supervision can be potentially life-threatening, so it is always a good idea to seek a professional detox center for this process.

3. Addiction Treatment

Once you have detoxed from drugs and alcohol, it will be time to begin your addiction treatment program. Ridding the body of drugs and alcohol is just the first step—an addiction treatment program is vital to sustaining sobriety, because it addresses psychological aspects of addiction and helps an individual develop new coping tools in a safe and supportive environment. There are several different types of addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient treatment. An addiction specialist will be able to help you determine which is the best option for you.

4. Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 supervision and support. This type of program is full-time and will include housing and meals. Inpatient rehabs can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, with the average duration lasting one month. Inpatient rehab is often highly recommended for individuals just starting out on treating their addiction, as it provides the highest level of care and provides a safe, therapeutic environment.

5. Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment options can vary: some may meet 5 days per week, while others meet 3 days per week. Outpatient rehab is a part-time commitment and allows individuals the flexibility and freedom to live at home and maintain a job. However, for individuals early in their treatment and recovery, remaining in the environment where they drank or used can be triggering, and more likely to lead to relapse. Many individuals enroll in outpatient rehab after completing an inpatient rehab program.

6. Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial part of how to get sober—and stay sober. Creating a supportive and sustainable aftercare plan for maintaining sobriety upon completion of addiction treatment can make a huge difference and significantly reduce risk of relapse. During rehab, an individual will work closely with their counselor to establish a transition plan, identify triggers in everyday life, discuss coping skills, and assess ongoing support options.

Learning to live in the day-to-day world as a sober individual will undoubtedly bring up challenges, which is why many treatment centers provide an aftercare program for their graduating clients. The specifics of an aftercare program will vary for each treatment center, but may look like an optional weekly support group for people who complete their programs. This is an excellent way to stay accountable and in touch with the support system and recovery community, an individual created during treatment, and provides space for further support and guidance as new challenges in sobriety arise.

7. Sober Living

Sober living houses—also referred to as transitional housing—are a great next step for how to get sober. Sober living houses are houses that individuals can live in and share with other individuals in recovery from addiction. “Sober living” as it is often called is another great transitional step for people who have completed treatment and are seeking continued recovery community, accountability, and support in a safe, alcohol and drug-free environment. Sober living houses vary in their rules and regulations, but many require regular drug-testing and may include an evening curfew, to maintain a healthy, sober environment.

How To Become Sober Fast

If you are looking to get sober fast, here is some great news: you can stop drinking and using drugs today. You never have to use drugs again. You never have to be hungover again. You can seek treatment today, and begin the journey of recovery, free from the destructive grip of drugs and alcohol.

Addiction specialists and addiction treatment centers are well aware of the urgency with which people want to get sober and need help with their addiction, so they are always ready and waiting to help when an individual calls. If you are considering seeking help, the sooner the better. It is possible to get sober fast, and to begin to embark on the most rewarding journey of a lifetime—a life free from the pain and struggle of addiction.

Oasis Recovery Can Help You Become Sober

If you or someone you love has developed an addiction or dependence on drugs or alcohol and are wondering how to get sober, we encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include: