Coloradans often see the more destructive nature of addiction: people struggling to overcome it and family members suffering as a result. Stories and truths on overcoming alcoholism are gravely important for both individuals suffering from the disease of alcohol use disorder (AUD), as well as for alcohol addiction treatment specialists who continually seek to refine approaches for sobriety. Alcohol recovery in Colorado is vital to helping so many wins the battle with AUD.

Drug policy experts say that the grim tolls obscure the hopeful and important fact: Most Americans who have experienced drug and alcohol addiction do survive.

A study by the CDC and the National Drug Abuse says that in 2020, at least three in every four people struggling with addiction eventually recovered.

Additional statistics revealed the following:

• Approx. 36% of people with an addiction to alcohol recovered after one year of addiction treatment.
• Approx. 18% of people recovering from alcohol addiction achieved low-risk drinking after one year of sobriety.
• Another 18% of people recovering from alcohol addiction completely abstained from drinking alcohol one year after treatment.
• There’s a 36% chance of recovery for people suffering from a lifetime of severe alcohol dependence.
• 60% of people who achieved sobriety after two years of treatment were able to remain that way.

While the process of recovery from alcohol is undoubtedly a challenging one, it is possible and extremely worthwhile. In most cases, alcohol use disorder treatment is necessary and saves lives.

Finding a good alcohol abuse program in Colorado is not easy. This is because there are plenty of clinics offering different approaches and options to address problematic drinking and it’s important to know what is best for you and your loved one. At the AspenRidge alcohol recovery centers we offer excellent treatment options for anyone seeking to overcome their addictive tendencies. Contact our Colorado alcohol rehab program at 855-281-5588.

 

Alcohol Recovery Timeline

After many years of alcohol abuse, giving up alcohol can be extremely difficult, and the process of alcohol recovery will take on several stages. Of course, the process is unique to everyone, and some people may not necessarily experience all of these stages.

However, anyone who has been dependent on alcohol should seek support from a rehab clinic as the process can be pretty intense and some symptoms of withdrawal are fatal without medical attention.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are especially overwhelming, and they can feel like you are going to die, but that is not really the case. What is happening is that your body is reacting to the changes. Here’s what you are likely to experience while going through alcohol treatment:

The First Six to Eight Hours After Your Last Drink – DETOX

A few hours after you stop drinking, alcohol detox will commence. This can feel like the worst thing on earth. You will start having cravings for alcohol, and this stage may feel like a prolonged hangover.

Alcohol detox is the first step toward the treatment of alcohol use disorder. It is a process that flushes out the toxins caused by alcohol from your body. This can unfortunately cause you to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Shaking
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache

Between 12 and 24 hours

At this point, nausea is pretty common, and you may start to experience a loss of appetite and abdominal pain. These will then move on to the mild or moderate phase which includes mood swings, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, etc.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome must be treated properly to avoid another late-stage alcoholism which can happen when heavy drinkers relapse.

24 to 48 hours

Minor withdrawal may peak at this time, and then begin to subside. Mood swings are likely to linger on for a longer detox period, but medical attention will reduce withdrawal symptoms pretty fast.

Fever, sweating, irregular heartbeat, and irritability are pretty common now. But, hang in there.

48 to 72 Hours

72 hours after your last drink, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will become more severe, and may include delirium tremens. This is a more severe form of alcohol withdrawal, and one that’s extremely fatal during alcohol detox.

It is accompanied by a high heart rate, fever, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and agitation.

Clearly goes to show the price you have to pay for a sober life. But keep at it, as success is around the corner.

When these symptoms occur, please seek treatment immediately, and opt for a medical professional to help you through the rest of the treatment, and any other severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms that occur.

After 72 hours

A few days since your last drink, your symptoms will lighten and in most cases, they will decrease after five to seven days.

One Week Later

After one week, your sleep patterns are likely to get better. It can however take up to one month to be completely normal. Insomnia is a normal aftereffect of alcohol addiction.

After Two Weeks

In two weeks, you will start to notice some weight loss, and this is as a result of removing the alcohol related calories from your body. If your liver was not damaged by drinking too much it will start showing signs of recovery.

One to Three Months

In one month, your blood pressure will start to reduce and become healthy, if the alcohol was causing it to increase. Your skin will also start to look much better, and within three months, your energy levels will increase and you will have a general sense of being in better health.

One Year Later

After one year of being sober, you will finally start adjusting to life without alcohol, and leave all the withdrawal symptoms behind and begin to enjoy all the benefits associated with an alcohol-free life.

What To Expect At A Colorado Alcohol Recovery Center

Recovery involves discipline and order. For you to achieve success with your sobriety, you must stick to a recommended recovery schedule that’s assured of success. At a residential rehab facility, there’s a specific list of activities involved to help you achieve an alcohol-free life.

Here’s a look at a typical day at rehab:

Mornings

You will probably wake up at a specific time each morning. The nurses will give out medication to those with prescriptions. Most rehab doctors provide medication to people suffering advanced withdrawal symptoms or mental health issues.

Breakfast is served, and afterwards, the treatment programs will start with group and individual therapies.

Afternoons

After lunch, you are likely to attend another therapy session which may be accompanied by some activities such as fitness sessions, if there’s a gym in the rehab clinic. Physical exercise is important during rehab as it helps manage mood swings and withdrawal.

Evenings

In the evenings, you will have dinner and probably end the day with another group therapy session, so as to reflect on your progress so far, especially how you feel about the treatment.

Most rehabs will have a set time for ‘lights out,’ in order to stick to a schedule, which is something that works great with treatment.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is a term commonly used when describing someone suffering from a combination of alcohol use disorder and mental health. These conditions usually co-occur and include the following:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Medication Assisted (MAT) Alcohol Abuse Treatment

AspenRidge Recovery works with health care providers to combine our dual diagnosis programs with MAT. This is in addition to our effective alcohol abuse programs. Alcohol abuse medication is not a fool-proof method, but studies have shown that it may help with relapse triggers and, in the beginning, with some symptoms of withdrawal. Read more on alcohol relapse prevention here.

We understand that certain medications can help one overcome alcohol dependence, and while we do not have a ‘magic cure’ the medications we use have shown beneficial effects to reducing the withdrawal symptoms and curbing any triggers that can result in relapse after recovery.

AspenRidge: Alcohol Recovery Treatment

At AspenRidge Recovery Center we are Colorado’s leading alcohol treatment center also treating a variety of other addictions and mental health. We also deal with dual-diagnosis and help individuals with addiction achieve sobriety and go on to live sober lives.

We provide lasting solutions and outpatient care programs to individuals and their families suffering from these conditions. Call us today at 855-281-5588.