Why Are the First 90 Days So Important

The first 90 days of your sobriety is often considered to be the most important, and the most
dangerous. It has many names and many definitions. Its been called the danger zone, or is
referred to as intensive care. This is because it is the most difficult part of sobriety. Relapse
is at its highest during these first 90 days because they are so challenging. The good news
is, you are not alone and we are here to help you. You have just been through a life changing
experience and your body, mind and spirit are different from it. Your first three months are
when you need support and guidance more than ever. This is your first major milestone in
recovery, and while it should be celebrated, it must also be taken very seriously if you want to
stay on the path. Lets look at these first 90 days together, understand their relevance and
make the most of them. Your goal is to build a foundation during these first 90 days that will
keep you going through day 900 and beyond.

Days 1-30

This, by far, will be the hardest and most painful part of your journey. In this time frame, you
may have come to the decision on your own, or received an intervention from loved ones, but
whatever the case, you know that you need to get help. Real help. Maybe you or a family
member has even already contacted a treatment center near you to set up a chart. This is
your first step toward sobriety. Depending on what youve been using, your first week will
likely consist of some form of medical detox. Royallifecenters.com Withdrawal is rough,
between the painful side effects and deep cravings, but a responsible medical team will help
you through it as comfortably as possible. For many, this is very frightening, but once they
have come out of the fog, the healing can begin. The remainder of month one should take
place in a residential inpatient program, where you have 24/7 access to medical staff and
regular group support and therapy. This makes the transition much smoother and highly
reduces the risk of relapse. While some choose to only detox and then return to life, this is
NOT recommended. Studies have shown that sticking in a residential program post detox is
the most effective way to prevent relapse in your first 90 days.

Days 30-90

There is so much movement during this time! You may feel slightly overwhelmed, but take
every part of your recovery day by day. A lot is going to happen after your first month. You
may choose to continue with treatment and do a partial hospitalization program followed by
intensive outpatient. This is, again, very recommended. Continuing to get the love and
support of medical professionals, therapists and your new sober brothers and sisters is
paramount in ensuring ongoing success. You will also work with your case manager during
this time to set up your aftercare plan and work toward your goals of returning home.

Will you return home immediately, or will you choose to live in sober living housing
temporarily? These are big decisions, and will help you figure out your path going forward.
Havendetox.com There are other important things to think about during this time, some of
which include:

1.Reconnecting with Family and Friends

2.Living and Work Arrangements
3.Hygiene and Physical Health
4.Mental Wellness

All of this is a big part of why the first 90 days are a challenge. There is a whole new world to
explore, and a new chapter in your life has just begun. Part of why it is so valuable to stay in
treatment during this time is because the help and guidance of your support staff will make
this much more manageable. By making the most of your first three months, you are
preparing yourself for a lifetime of healthier, happier living.

Making the Most of Your First 90 Days

The first three months are tough whether you are still actively in a treatment center, or if you
have returned home. You are rewiring yourself, reinventing your whole life! In most ways, this
is fantastic. In some ways, it is scary. While there is a lot to figure out, here are some things
that you can work on to make the most of your first 90 days.

Nurturing Your Body

We talk about wellness and physical fitness a lot here at Royal Life Centers, but only
because of how absolutely crucial it is to recovery and life in general. During your first three
months of sobriety, you are probably drained physically. Active addiction leaves the body
weak, malnourished and damaged. This is a great time to start a routine of health and self
care. Now is when you should review your diet and plan out how to eat better. Have you lost
an unhealthy amount of weight? Lets get back to where you need to be! Include a daily
schedule of exercise to get the body moving. If you focus on taking care of yourself and
making your body feel better, you will begin to see how wonderful it feels to be sober - which
will make relapse that much less likely.

Building a Support System

During active addiction, you may have pushed people away. You likely said things you didnt
mean, or isolated yourself completely. It is important to start rebuilding the relationships that
were injured. This is a big part of the 12 Step Program. But there is much more to it than that.
While you need to repair the bridges to your loved ones, building a new support system is a
great idea too. A sober community or network is going to be an amazing part of your success
and ongoing sobriety. While in recovery, making connections with other members of your
groups, your therapists, your counselors or your sponsors or mentors will help you see the
beauty of clean living. These men and women will inspire you to move forward, and be your
strength when you fall. You will also be theirs.
Making Good Habits

They say that it takes about 90 days to start making new habits. What a perfectly synced up
timeframe! During your first 90 days sober, it is a great opportunity to put new habits into
effect. These can be simple things, but they must all be positive. Keeping an active journal,
taking some time for yoga, meditation, art or other great activities. Find new hobbies and
make them a priority. Most importantly, make sure you are on a routine schedule of attending
your support groups and meetings.

Tips for a Successful 90 Days

There is a lot to think about, a lot to focus on and during your initial time in recovery, your
mind is probably racing. To keep things simple, here a short list of some tips for a successful
early recovery. Have a Safe Space - Create a living space free of triggers or things that may
tempt you. You may need to ask a loved one to help you with this. If you do not have a place
to return to, consider sober living housing.

Celebrate Yourself Daily - You made a life changing decision. Give yourself a round of
applause!
Find a trusted sponsor or therapist - This person will continue to advocate for you and help
you stay strong during your recovery. If you are still in treatment or in sober living, consider
sticking with the therapists there.
Make a List of Goals - Write down all of the things you want to accomplish now that you are
sober. Read this list every day and refer to it when you need a pick me up.
Take it Slow - Recovery isnt a race. You dont need to go back to work tomorrow. You need
to get better. You need to limit your stress. Dont push yourself too hard.

Sobriety Beyond the First 90 Days

Your first year of recovery will have ups and downs. You may experience some mild
withdrawal symptoms known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. It doesnt happen for
everyone, but your body will be healing for some time. They will go away, but you may need
help coping. This is why continuing with support groups, therapy and meetings is so
important. Your first year will be your own, and not like anyone elses, but relearning your
body and getting into a good schedule and routine will help you with your success. Every day
gets easier. Stay strong. You are not alone.

Reach Out

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse of any sort, please reach out
to us at. Our team of #keyword# specialists make themselves available to take your call 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. We are here to help, to be a friend, to show support and to be a
positive life in a dark time. Because We Care.