If you’re wondering how long achieving sobriety takes, you may be feeling scared. It’s normal to worry about how long withdrawal will last or when you’ll feel like yourself again. You may also be feeling pressure from your family to “get better” quickly, but this can feel overwhelming. The truth is that this answer is different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for recovery. Whether you want to cut back or stop substance use or you don’t know what to do next, you deserve support without judgment.
For people with sobriety as a recovery goal, many factors affect how long this process may take for you. The substance you’re cutting back on, how long you’ve been using it, your health, and what “sober” means to you all play a part. Some people feel better quickly with medication, but recovery may take longer if you have a long history of substance use. It can go as smoothly as possible with the right support.
Let’s explore the recovery process for alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder, two common conditions in the U.S. Remember that Groups is here to support you no matter how long it takes. It’s an ongoing process, and the first step is to reach out.
Keep reading to discover seven factors that may influence your recovery timeline.
7 factors that affect being in recovery with the goal of sobriety
Knowing what influences your recovery can help you set realistic expectations and get the right support. These factors play a role in how long it may take:
1. Your substance use history
How long and how much you’ve been using substances impacts your recovery timeline. Someone who drinks heavily every day might have a longer withdrawal period than people who drink less often. The same goes for using cannabis. People who use both substances often experience a more intense withdrawal. Fortunately, this phase is temporary, and you can talk to your provider about reducing symptoms.
Many people who use alcohol or cannabis also have a history of using opioids or use more than one substance to cope. Knowing how these substances affect you can help you choose integrated care.
2. The substance you want to stop using
The type of substance you’re quitting can factor into your recovery. Alcohol and cannabis withdrawal can both lead to symptoms that may take days or weeks or subside. Everyone’s withdrawal process is different, but it is a temporary phase. If you’re thinking about withdrawing, talk to your provider to find out a safe and effective approach that works best for you.
3. Your physical health
Your health also impacts how long it may take for recovery. Alcohol use disorder can affect many parts of the body. Heavy drinking is associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver disease. When your body is healing from the effects of alcohol, it can take longer, but it may still be possible for your health to improve. Your provider can help you along the way with safe and effective treatment.
4. Your mental health
Mental health can also impact your recovery timeline. Conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, or obsessive-compulsive disorder can make this process more difficult. Sometimes in these situations, people turn to cannabis or alcohol to cope. These co-occurring conditions can make it more challenging to break cycles of cravings and stress, but it is possible. Group therapy, coping strategies, and medication may improve recovery outcomes.
5. Your support system
A stable routine, supportive relationships, and access to treatment can help make recovery quicker and easier. Stress at home, family conflicts, or lack of structure can make this journey harder. That’s why having ongoing support is important.
6. The type of treatment you receive
Treatment can make a difference in how quickly you feel better. Medication may be helpful for alcohol use disorder, but it often works best alongside other treatments. Group therapy and coping skills can be helpful for alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder. If you have a co-occurring condition, the right treatment will address all your needs.
7. What “sober” means to you
Your definition of sober may not be the same as someone else’s. This idea of what sobriety means to you shapes what success looks like in recovery. For some, “sober” means not drinking or using at all. For others, it may mean abstaining from some substances but not others. Your goals will affect how long this process takes and what kind of support you need.
The three phases of the recovery process
Recovery happens over time in phases. Knowing what this process looks like can help you prepare for the journey ahead, and you can celebrate your progress along the way.
While everyone’s recovery process is different, the following phases are common:
1. Acute withdrawal
This is when your body reacts to the absence of the substance it is used to. It can begin within a few hours of your last use. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include high blood pressure, anxiety, headaches, and upset stomach. If you have moderate to severe alcohol use disorder, you may want to discuss a medically supervised withdrawal with your provider. Symptoms usually peak 24 to 72 hours after the last drink before they subside.
While many people don’t think cannabis use has withdrawal symptoms, it does. Symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and restlessness occur during 24-48 hours after the last dose. They often peak around between the second and sixth day. Your withdrawal timeline may be different from someone else’s, and that is OK.
2. Early recovery
After withdrawal, your body and mind can start to adjust. This phase can last weeks to months. It’s possible that you may experience cravings, mood swings, or sleep problems. Your body is still adjusting at this point as you’re working toward your recovery goals. Group support can help you through this phase, and you can get advice from others who have gone through it.
3. Sustained recovery
There’s no strict timeline for this phase because recovery is an ongoing process. In sustained recovery, you continue to enhance your health and well-being, strengthen your coping skills, and improve your relationships. As time passes, many of our members feel more confident, and hopeful. With the right support, recovery can become a part of your daily life.
How Groups can support you
No matter what stage of addiction recovery you’re in, Groups is here to support you. We offer:
- Group support led by trained counselors
- Medication, when needed
- Care planning to help you reach your goals
We offer more than just treatment. We’re here to support you long after withdrawal ends. Together, we can help you rebuild your life, well-being, and relationships with your loved ones.
Treatment for more than one substance
About 25.5% of people with alcohol use disorder also use cannabis, which may worsen the effects of alcohol. Using more than one substance at a time can affect your mood, cravings, and overall health. It also affects your recovery timeline as well as your ideal treatment plan.
Opioid use disorder can also occur with alcohol or cannabis use disorder. If you’re experiencing more than one substance use disorder, we provide integrated care to address co-occurring conditions together. If starting this journey on your own sounds intimidating, you don’t have to do it alone.
Get support on your path to recovery at Groups
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to stop using substances, but that’s OK. Recovery is different for everyone. Your substance use history, support system, and treatment all come together to influence your timeline.
Even though this process can feel overwhelming, every step forward counts. Recovery isn’t about reaching a finish line. It’s about building healthier habits and a more fulfilling life. If you’ve been hesitant about taking the first step, don’t worry. We’re here to support you.
At Groups, we offer treatment for alcohol, cannabis, and stimulant use disorders at our Iowa location. However, we’re actively working on expanding this treatment to our other facilities. We also offer support for opioid use disorder. Whether you’re near or far, you can always reach out to us. Even if you can’t come see us in person because we don’t serve in your state, we can recommend helpful resources and treatment in your area.
Give our Recovery Support Coordinators a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
