The 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a condition in which a person cannot stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior. It affects millions of Americans, and its overcoming is much more complex than many people recognize. Every person suffering from substance abuse requires unique needs and treatment as going through the recovery process. The uniqueness of each person makes the experience with addiction also unique. No two people will share the same road to developing their addiction, and likewise, the path to recovery will be equally diverse. It is because addiction and recovery vary based on many factors, both external and internal.

It’s complicated to admit to yourself that you need help, especially when dealing with addiction. Identifying the warning signals and knowing when to move toward recovery is not easy. However, understanding the recovery stages can help you figure out how to get in the right mindset. There are five stages of recovery, which clearly describe recognizing and admitting the problem, preparing for treatment, and dealing with life after treatment.

1. Precontemplation

It’s the first stage of addiction recovery, where a person usually does not consider the behavior as an issue. During this stage, a person’s addictive behavior is generally positive, maybe even pleasant, and hasn’t led to any negative consequences.

The primary role of a recovery team is to move the patient towards the contemplation stage by helping to adjust the focus of control (i.e. become more aware of the actual consequences of the addiction and consider the possibility of a change).

During this stage, a person’s addictive behavior is generally positive, maybe even pleasant, and hasn’t led to any negative consequences.

2. Contemplation or acknowledgment of addiction

In this stage, the addicted person has realized a problem, which is hard to control. The addict may be open to some discussion about the consequences of the addiction but remain ambivalent about making a change. The contemplation stage can last for years. As a result, they move on to the next step or revert to the pre-contemplation stage.

The role of a treatment team is to help the patient imagine new options for life and potential steps to break the chain of addiction.

3. Preparation

During the preparation stage, a person is committed and ready to take action. Stage 3 is where many addicts decide to visit a rehab center to explore the possibility or even take the leap and enter a rehab program.

The role of a healthcare professional here is to determine options for a long-term treatment plan that meets personal interests.

4. Action

For many people, the action stage begins with a process known as detoxification, also known as detox. During detox, all addictive substances are carefully removed from the patient’s body. In this stage, medical professionals navigate a patient through the steps of recovery. First, the patient engages in treatment that addresses the underlying causes of addiction. In addition, individual and group therapy help a person better understand addiction and themselves, and alternative therapies promote holistic wellness, bolstering recovery. The action stage also provides healthy, practical strategies for coping with stress and triggers that help the addicts progress through the maintenance stage without experiencing a relapse.

5. Maintenance & Relapse

After treatment, the recovering addict must work to maintain their recovery. Unfortunately, addiction is a chronic condition that is hard to cure, only treated. Therefore, continued healing must always be a priority because it can always be a risk of relapse. A relapse may occur, but it isn’t a sign of failure or weakness. It’s possible to become sober again–it just means more specialized treatment is required.

In the maintenance stage, a person begins to adapt to the new substance-free life. Before leaving rehab, every patient should receive a customized aftercare plan conducive to their recovery efforts. This can include various options, but some standard features of an aftercare plan include intensive outpatient counseling, vocational resources, family therapy, and introduction into a local recovering community.

The stages of recovery may seem intimidating to someone who is contemplating or early in recovery. But knowing what you can expect can help you advance through these stages more confidently. Just take the necessary steps to get yourself in the healing mindset, and then take physical steps towards sobriety. It can be difficult at times, but a life of sobriety is better than an addiction that gets worse and destroys your life.

To learn more about our detox programs, please contact Hathaway Recovery at.

Hathaway Recovery is an industry leader in Addiction & Dual Diagnosis Treatment. A doctor-operated facility that offers 24/7 care, monitoring & support. Hathaway Recovery is staffed with a team of professionals who are highly trained and constantly strive to offer the most innovative and effective care and therapy.