Sobriety fatigue is a common challenge encountered in early recovery after you’ve quit drinking and completed rehab. Fortunately, this lingering effect doesn’t last long, but how long does sobriety fatigue last?
What Is Sobriety Fatigue?
The term “sobriety fatigue” refers to a type of physical and mental exhaustion someone may experience in early recovery. During this early phase of recovery, the person is in the process of adjusting to sobriety. After alcohol cessation, it is common for the individual to have some persistent withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue. Such symptoms are referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS.
Understanding Sobriety Fatigue
Although sobriety fatigue is likely to be a remnant of the alcohol withdrawal phase of recovery, there is more to it. Entering recovery is itself exhausting for many individuals. Consider these examples:
- Avoiding relapse. Early recovery takes a lot of energy as the person is trying hard to stay sober, which can be exhausting. Sustaining sobriety requires constant vigilance and attention.
- Adjusting to sober lifestyle. Shifting to a sober lifestyle takes effort and energy as the person seeks to establish new sober friendships and activities.
- Restoring wellness. In sobriety, the body goes through profound changes as it attempts to restore itself back to health. This often results in fatigue and exhaustion.
- Depression. Some may experience depression in early recovery. One of the symptoms of depression is fatigue and exhaustion.
Symptoms of Sobriety Fatigue
When you enter recovery, it can seem like a whole new world as your brain and body acclimate to sobriety. When you constantly feel tired, you may wonder what you’re doing wrong. Aren’t you supposed to feel great in alcohol recovery?
The truth is, you will eventually enjoy a renewed spirit and vitality. Meanwhile, the symptoms of sobriety fatigue may include:
- Feeling extremely tired
- Wanting to sleep more
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low mood
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling emotionally drained
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
How Long Does Sobriety Fatigue Last?
Each person cycles through sobriety fatigue at their own pace. The duration of this condition depends on factors like how long the person struggled with alcoholism and usual daily consumption. Other health factors impacting the sobriety fatigue timeline include whether there is a preexisting mental health issue or chronic pain.
Sobriety fatigue may resolve within a couple of weeks for some people, but for others it can persist for a month or more. In general, the duration of sobriety fatigue is very individualized and dependent on general health, age, and lifestyle habits. Those who prioritize exercise, sleep, and nutrition tend to see this fatigue resolve more quickly.
How Sobriety Fatigue Affects Your Life in Recovery
It makes perfect sense to wonder, “How long does sobriety fatigue last?” You are ready to move forward in recovery, yet you feel constantly tired and worn out. Some of the ways sobriety fatigue impacts daily life include:
- You lack motivation and drive
- You feel restless
- You struggle with sleep, even though you’re exhausted
- You have trouble concentrating at work
- You feel irritable or sad
- You feel weak and tired most of the time
The good news is that sobriety fatigue is not a permanent state – you will cycle through this phase in early recovery. Just try to be patient and keep on working your recovery.
How to Manage Fatigue in Early Recovery
If you’re grappling with sobriety fatigue, you’re probably asking, “How long does sobriety fatigue last anyway?” You just want to feel alert and energetic again. Well, there are some actions to take that can improve your energy level. These include:
- Hydration. Stay hydrated and you’ll begin to feel better and more energetic. Drink at least 64-ounces of water per day. Herbal teas and sugar-free sports drinks with electrolytes are also helpful for hydration.
- Better sleep. One of the best ways to improve your stamina and restore energy is to improve your sleep quality. Start your recovery off by setting a regular sleep schedule and then stick to it. This helps your body restore the circadian rhythm.
- Exercise. Exercise induces the production of endorphins, which help boost energy and improve your mood. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise a day into your routine.
- Healthy diet. Nutrient-rich foods, like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean meats, and fresh produce, will help restore energy.
More Ways to Reinforce Sobriety in Early Recovery
Getting a handle on the sobriety fatigue is a great first step in continuing to work your recovery. Here are some more tips on how to avoid relapse and thrive in recovery:
- Support network. Pull together a solid support network. This can be a friend, a spouse, an A.A. group/sponsor, a pastor, a therapist, an online forum – or all.
- Avoid triggers. Avoid any situations, places, or people who may introduce a triggering event. Also, be aware of HALT factors (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired) to avoid relapse.
- Manage stress. Practice self-care strategies. These might include mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, yoga classes, therapeutic massage, or keeping a journal.
- Cultivate sober friendships. Seek out opportunities to make new sober friendships, like events hosted by A.A., sober gyms, sober travel groups, and sober Meetup groups.
- Be productive. Set some new professional and personal goals and go after them, one little step at a time. Hard work and accomplishing goals is important in recovery.
Pacific Bay Recovery Offers Aftercare and Outpatient Support
Pacific Bay Recovery is a trusted provider of top tier addiction recovery services. If you are asking, “How long does recovery fatigue last,” you are probably dealing with this condition at the moment. At Pacific Bay Recovery, we place a huge emphasis on aftercare, offering outpatient therapy to assist clients with sobriety fatigue. Please contact us today at (619) 350-8220.
