Support for Sobriety Fatigue from Alcohol Abuse with Rapid City SD Halfway Houses

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rapid City is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. It’s a gateway to some of the state’s most treasured sights, including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Beyond its famed monuments, Rapid City boasts a thriving arts scene, with galleries and museums showcasing Native American culture and contemporary art. Yet, within the enchanting setting of Rapid City, there exists a pressing concern: alcohol abuse and addiction, which stands as one of the most prevalent issues confronting individuals and families within this community.

South Dakota, including Rapid City, had the fifth highest crude rate for alcohol-related deaths at 19.4 per 100,000, while the United States rate was 10.6 per 100,000 during the period from 2011 to 2020. Approximately 24.4% of South Dakotan adults engage in excessive drinking, which ranks as the third highest rate nationwide. The impact of alcohol extends beyond mortality. Alcohol-related hospitalizations also play a significant role. Between 2017 and 2021, alcohol-related hospitalizations in South Dakota increased by 38%, rising from 1,897 hospitalizations to 2,622.

Halfway houses in Rapid City offer support for individuals on their path to lasting recovery, including addressing sobriety fatigue resulting from alcohol abuse. These facilities are vital tools, guiding residents as they reenter into society and strive to rebuild their lives. In South Dakota halfway houses, residents engage in therapy sessions, incorporating both individual and group counseling, to tackle the underlying factors contributing to addiction and foster healthy coping strategies. This holistic approach accelerates the recovery process and is essential in helping individuals establish a solid foundation for achieving success.

Can you drink alcohol in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol is 21 years. It is legal to sell alcohol to individuals aged 18-20 if they are in the immediate presence of a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 years or older. Serving alcohol to anyone under 18 (even if accompanied by a parent or guardian) is illegal.

In 2013, South Dakota reported 150 alcohol-related deaths. By 2022, this number had increased by 120%, reaching 330 alcohol-related deaths. Approximately 58.37% of people over 18 in South Dakota reported alcohol use in the last 30 days. About 25.66% of people over 18 in South Dakota engaged in binge alcohol use (defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks for females in a single session) during the same period. 

Licensees who sell or serve alcohol to underage individuals face penalties:

• For individuals under 18: Class 1 misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one year in jail or a $2,000 fine.
• For individuals aged 18-21: Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by 30 days in jail or a $500 fine (unless the purchase occurs in the presence of a parent, guardian, or spouse aged 21 or older).

Those who sell or serve alcohol to minors may have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of 30 days or up to one year. These policies help reduce cases of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse, also known as alcohol misuse, is a serious condition. People with alcohol abuse consume alcohol excessively despite negative consequences on their health, relationships, work, or other areas of life. 

People with alcohol abuse may also struggle to control their drinking. They might have difficulty stopping once they start, even if they want to. The most concerning sign is continuing to drink despite negative consequences. This could include problems at work, strained relationships with loved ones, legal issues, or health problems. If someone keeps drinking even though it’s causing harm, it’s a strong indicator of alcohol abuse.

How does the body react when you stop drinking alcohol?

The body’s reaction to stopping alcohol depends on the severity of alcohol dependence. This is what happens when you quit drinking:

• Within the first 6-12 hours: You might experience mild withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, shakiness, sweating, headache, and trouble sleeping.
• 12-24 hours after quitting: Symptoms may worsen and could include nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations.
• 2-7 days after quitting: This is the peak of withdrawal symptoms. You may experience tremors, fever, confusion, and seizures (in severe cases).
• After a week: Symptoms gradually subside.
• Weeks to months after quitting: You may continue to experience cravings and sleep disturbances. However, your overall health will start to improve significantly.

When you first stop drinking, your body begins to detoxify itself. This process can lead to withdrawal symptoms and can range from mild to severe. Depending on how much you were drinking, this experience may feel like a hangover or more than that. Withdrawal symptoms can also include insomnia, elevated blood pressure, shakiness or tremors, and the usual hangover symptoms like headache and nausea.

Here are some changes that occur in your body when you stop drinking for an extended period:

• Liver repair: For those who drink excessively, the liver undergoes fatty changes over time. When you stop drinking, these changes are reversible, and the liver can return to normal. Positive changes can occur within weeks of going dry. The liver can focus on other essential tasks, such as breaking down toxins produced by the body and metabolizing fats and excess hormones.
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke: Studies show that even occasional excessive drinking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Taking a month off from alcohol can help mitigate this risk.
• Improved sleep quality: Abstaining from alcohol can lead to better sleep. Without alcohol, the liver can focus on other functions, including breaking down toxins and metabolizing fats.
• Sense of accomplishment: Depending on your baseline behavior, you might feel a sense of control over your health or accomplishment from achieving a set goal. Even moderate drinkers can benefit from a month-long break, while heavy drinkers may notice more pronounced physiological effects.

Quitting alcohol can be challenging, and withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable. If you’re considering quitting alcohol, it’s important to seek support. There are many resources available, including support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA meetings in Rapid City provide a safe and supportive environment for people who are struggling with alcohol dependence.

How long does sobriety fatigue last?

Sobriety fatigue is a state of extreme exhaustion, discouragement, or emotional strain experienced by those in early recovery from substance abuse. It’s a normal reaction to the immense effort required to break free from addictive behaviors and the constant vigilance needed to avoid relapse. Sobriety fatigue may last for about a month for some people, while some may experience it much longer.

Here are some reasons why people experience sobriety fatigue:

• Withdrawal symptoms: Quitting substances like alcohol and drugs can cause a variety of withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, and changes in mood. These symptoms can make it difficult to sleep and can leave you feeling drained.
• The emotional rollercoaster of recovery: Early recovery is often a time of great emotional upheaval. You may be grieving the loss of your substance use, and you may be struggling to cope with difficult emotions. This can take a toll on your mental and physical energy.
• The stress of making life changes: Recovery often requires making a lot of life changes, such as finding a new job, developing new coping mechanisms, and repairing relationships. All of this change can be stressful and can lead to fatigue.
• The constant vigilance of avoiding relapse: One of the biggest challenges of early recovery is the constant temptation to relapse. This can be very draining, both mentally and emotionally.

Sobriety fatigue occurs during the early stages of sobriety and can manifest in physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. The duration of sobriety fatigue varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience only mild fatigue, while others may feel completely drained and unable to function.

Factors affecting duration:

• Severity of alcohol use disorder: The length and severity of an individual’s alcohol use disorder can influence the duration of sobriety fatigue.
• Overall Health and wellness: An individual’s health and wellness play a role.
• Support network: Having a strong support system can impact recovery.
• Your age: Older adults are more likely to experience fatigue in general, and this may also be true during sobriety.
• Environment, stress levels, and circadian rhythm: These factors also contribute to sobriety fatigue.

Sobriety fatigue is temporary, and there are resources to help you through it. Consider seeking professional help from online therapists in Rapid City. They can provide guidance, support, and develop coping mechanisms to manage fatigue and navigate the challenges of early recovery. If in-person therapy isn’t accessible or convenient, online therapists specializing in addiction recovery can be a valuable resource. They offer flexible scheduling and allow you to receive support from the comfort of your home.

Steps to Serenity with Rapid City SD Halfway Houses for Sobriety Fatigue from Alcohol Abuse

Sobriety fatigue is a real phenomenon experienced by many people in early recovery from alcohol abuse. It manifests as extreme tiredness, both physically and mentally. This fatigue is a normal consequence of the immense effort required to quit drinking and make significant lifestyle changes. There are several reasons why sobriety fatigue happens. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and depletes nutrients. When you quit, your body is working hard to heal and re-regulate itself, which can be incredibly exhausting.

Recovery is a mental and emotional marathon. You’re constantly faced with cravings, triggers, and the challenges of building a new life without alcohol. This constant mental and emotional strain can be draining. Quitting drinking often means overhauling your social life, habits, and routines. This can be stressful and leave you feeling overwhelmed, contributing further to fatigue. Approximately 46.3 million people in the United States, including South Dakota, aged 12 or older (which accounts for 16.5% of the population) had a substance use disorder in the past year, where 29.5 million people were classified as having an alcohol use disorder and 24 million people were classified as having a drug use disorder.

Halfway houses in Rapid City are a beneficial option for individuals looking to recover from alcohol use disorders. These structured living arrangements offer a supportive environment aimed at facilitating the transition from inpatient treatment to independent living. Residents of these halfway houses receive ongoing support, participate in therapy sessions, and focus on developing essential life skills essential for maintaining long-term sobriety. South Dakota halfway houses aid in providing assistance, particularly for individuals who lack stable housing or a robust social support network following treatment. If you or someone you know is in need of guidance towards a fulfilling life beyond addiction and sobriety fatigue from alcohol abuse, don’t hesitate to explore the available support and resources today.

Resources:

[1] Substance Use Data & Reports – South Dakota Department of Health

[2] Alcohol Laws & Regulations – Department of Revenue

[3] How Long Does Sobriety Fatigue Last? – Aspire Atlas