Introduction
The journey to sobriety is a significant one, and the first 90 days are often the most crucial. This period requires the most effort to prevent relapse, especially during the initial three months. It's a time to develop coping mechanisms, understand triggers, and adjust to a new, sober reality. This is why the first 90 days of sobriety are so important.
After completing these initial 90 days clean, you'll start to notice both physical and mental changes. Let's explore what happens when you're 90 days sober.
Why is 90 Days of Sobriety Important?
During the first 90 days of sobriety, you'll likely still experience feelings of shame, guilt, and depression. However, by this point, you should feel more relaxed than you did at the beginning of your recovery journey. You should have developed some helpful coping techniques and identified some of your triggers.
Sobriety should also be a part of your daily routine by now, allowing you to make time for activities such as attending meetings and seeing a therapist. You'll start to have more time for hobbies and won't constantly be worried about relapse.
(1-30 Days)
Beginning the path to sobriety can be the most challenging phase. Whether a personal choice or prompted by loved ones, recognizing the need for genuine help is crucial.
Taking the initial step by reaching out to a treatment center marks the start of the journey. The first week may involve medical detox, guided by a responsible team to ease withdrawal discomfort. Spending the following month in a residential inpatient program provides constant access to support, reducing relapse risk.
Choosing only detox is discouraged, as studies emphasize the importance of ongoing support for maintaining sobriety. This marks the start of healing.
(30-90 Days)
During these early months of recovery, it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Take each day step by step, and much will unfold after the first month.
It's highly recommended to continue treatment with a partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient care. The ongoing support of medical professionals, therapists, and fellow recovering individuals is crucial for lasting success. Work with your case manager to plan aftercare and make decisions about returning home or temporarily residing in sober living.
Reconnecting with loved ones, addressing living arrangements, and focusing on hygiene, physical and mental well-being all contribute to the challenges of the first 90 days. Staying in treatment during this period ensures valuable guidance for navigating this new chapter in your life, setting the foundation for a healthier, happier future
What to Expect When You're 90 Days Sober
Here are some of the 90 days sober benefits you can expect:
Improved Visual Clarity
Many people report a hazy film over their eyes at the beginning of recovery. However, by 90 days, your eyesight should be much clearer.
Changes in Digestion and Appetite
In early recovery, many people experience digestive and appetite issues like heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, and digestive dysfunction. By 90 days, your stomach should have regulated itself and begun to redevelop healthy bacteria. This not only relieves some digestive discomfort but also helps improve your mood.
Better Sleep
Establishing a good sleep schedule at the beginning of recovery can be challenging. Symptoms of withdrawal can make sleeping difficult. However, by 90 days, your sleep schedule should begin to regulate as dreams of using lessen and withdrawal symptoms subside.
Increased Energy
As your sleep, mental, and physical health improve, you'll notice an increase in your energy. Early recovery can be exhausting, but by 90 days, you should feel more comfortable and confident in your sobriety.
Improved Liver Function
One of the significant benefits of 90 days no alcohol is improved liver function. Your liver starts to heal, and its ability to detoxify your body improves.
Improved Physical Health
Apart from liver function, your overall physical health starts to improve. You may notice better skin, more energy, and improved immune function.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
Sobriety has a profound impact on your mental health. You may notice improved mood, better focus, and reduced anxiety.
How to Stay Sober After Your 90 Days
Reaching your 90 days is a huge milestone, but the journey doesn't end there. Sobriety is a lifelong journey that requires a continued commitment. Here are some ways you can maintain your sobriety once you’ve reached 90 days.
Continue to Work the Steps
Attending AA meetings and getting a sponsor is a great way to maintain your sobriety. Finding someone you can work the steps with can also be an amazing way to make remaining sober and working a program more fun and social.
Work on Your Mental Health
It's easy to neglect your mental health care by 90 days. However, taking care of your mental health is essential in maintaining your sobriety. Some ways you can care for your mental health are through mindfulness therapy, group meetings, yoga, and more.
Find an Outpatient Program
Just because you reached 90 days doesn’t mean you’ll be totally confident in your sobriety. If you need more support, consider an outpatient program. Outpatient rehab can provide you with addiction treatment options, while still allowing you to live at home and have your freedom.
Stay Sober with Help From NuView Treatment Center
If you are 90 days sober and need further support to maintain your sobriety, NuView Treatment Center can help. NuView offers outpatient behavioral health treatment that gives clients the tools they need to recover. The evidence-based treatment programs available at NuView can help clients address the underlying issues, such as mental health disorders and interpersonal problems, that are motivating their substance use disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first 90 days of sobriety are often considered the most critical in a person’s recovery journey. It’s a time of significant change and adjustment, and it’s when many people start to see real improvements in their health and wellbeing.
Changes in sobriety can include improved physical health, better mental health, increased energy, improved sleep, and more.
The liver is a resilient organ and can start to repair itself as soon as you stop drinking. However, the exact time it takes to heal depends on several factors, including how much and how long you’ve been drinking, your overall health, and more.
Many people start to notice benefits within a few days to a week of quitting alcohol. However, some of the more significant benefits, like improved liver function and mental health, can take longer.
Yes, the liver can repair itself and return to normal function after you stop drinking. However, this depends on the extent of the damage and your overall health.
Being 90 days clean means that you have not consumed any alcohol or used any substances for a period of 90 days. This is a significant milestone in the recovery journey and is often associated with noticeable improvements in physical and mental health.
The significance of 90 days sober lies in the physical and mental changes that occur during this period. It’s often the point where the initial withdrawal symptoms subside, and individuals start to experience improvements in their overall health and wellbeing. It’s also a time when new, healthier habits and routines have been established.
When you reach 90 days without alcohol, you can expect several improvements in your health and lifestyle. These can include better sleep, improved liver function, clearer skin, increased energy, and significant changes in your mood and mental health.
Yes, it’s not uncommon to have ups and downs during your recovery journey. While many people start to see improvements in their health and wellbeing around the 90-day mark, everyone’s journey is different. If you’re feeling awful, it’s important to reach out to your support network or a healthcare professional.
There are many ways to celebrate your 90-day sober milestone. Some people choose to celebrate privately, taking some time for self-care or reflection. Others might celebrate with friends and family or attend a special meeting or event. The most important thing is to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to you and supports your ongoing sobriety.
The benefits of 90 days sobriety can include improved physical health, better mental health, increased energy, improved sleep, and a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. It’s also a time when many people start to establish new, healthier routines and habits.
Written By
Dr Ryan Peterson