stages of recovery

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All addictions go through stages, from experimentation to regular use, on to high-risk use and eventually, dependence. It’s no surprise then that unravelling uncontrollable behavior is also not instantaneous. The addiction recovery process isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a set of learned coping mechanisms that need to be implemented over a lifetime for a person to remain in active recovery. Often, the only way someone can achieve lasting abstinence is with professional help.

Below, we explain the steps of addiction recovery and lay out what someone does when they consider getting help. By learning these steps, you can help someone suffering from substance use by offering empathy and compassion at each stage.

1. PRE-CONTEMPLATION

The first step in recovery does not even involve taking any active actions. This is when someone first realizes they might have a problem, or even that they have learned they might but do not yet believe it. As such, moving forward from here can often involve an upheaval in one’s self-image.

It can be hard for someone to realize that they have a problem, though. They may deny that they have a problem, or that people are exaggerating it and that it is not causing harm. This is a very common way in which people avoid recovery, and often needs them to see outside perspectives before they move forward.

The intervention of their loved ones can often be a heavy influence on this, even if it is a very hard step to take. The person needs to understand how their actions are causing a very real impact on themselves and others.

At the same time, change is difficult for anyone, and combined with other issues such as denial may prevent people from wanting to move on. This is the reason why offering support is useful, as it can remove a lot of the negative perceptions of change and get people on the right track.

During this stage, people are likely to continue misusing substances or may blame others for their predicament. This can often be very hard to see or experience, which is why a support network is more useful than helping someone on your own.

Instead of only talking, though, you can investigate the use of books and documentaries on substance use. These can provide an unbiased view of the situation as it progresses and can give the user a way to understand their current mindset. Or, if your family attends counseling, bring it up here and get the support of a therapist.

2. CONTEMPLATION

After someone has accepted they might need to change their habits, the next step is for them to understand that they also need directed help. Accepting this can be very hard, and someone might have conflicting emotions regarding it. They might believe they can do this by themselves, that they need to not burden anyone else, or they might have a lot of shame about the situation.

Regardless of how they feel, they are likely to undergo a stage of introspection. During this state, they will look at how their actions impact others and what they need to do next. This may even have a large emotional impact as they start to realize some of the effects their problem has long-term.

As they think about what to do next, they are likely to look at the advantages and disadvantages of solutions like a rehab program. It would be useful if you were there for them at this point to help them make an informed and level-headed decision.

If someone expresses a desire to change, you might be best placed to encourage them to discuss it with a support group or counselor. This could act as a stepping stone toward a larger addiction recovery solution, such as rehab/treatment.

3. PREPARATION

Once someone has realized they do need to investigate rehab or recovery, they will start to make real plans. They will take practical steps towards this, not only pretending or half-heartedly thinking about it. If they express and act on a real motivation for change, you can know they have moved to this stage in recovery.

Work with them if you can and investigate treatment locations or counselors who can talk to them about their specific issues. Also, ensure they have access to any resources they need.

You might want to help by making some plans yourself with their permission, or even visiting sites with the individual if they are nervous. This ensures you normalize the help they receive and can talk to them openly about it.

The person might have very specific issues, either physical or mental, based on their addiction. If that is the case, talk to them about how to help. Although be aware that at no point should you empower their addiction further.

One way you can help the person consider a rehab program is by looking into alumni from that specific location. Many rehab centers offer a chance for people to talk to those who have found the location helpful. This can show what recovery looks like and give the person a goal they can aim for.

4. ACTION

By taking real action, the person shows a commitment to recovery and a true intent to improve. This might mean attending counseling or some kind of other treatment, or it might involve going to rehab for an extended period.

Other examples of ways people take action are:

• Going to therapy
• Actively engaging in group sessions
• Creating and following a treatment plan
• Taking prescription medication for substance use recovery
• Apologizing to people they may have hurt
• Actively researching drug abuse and how to recover from it

When in this step, the individual shows a real intent to change their situation. It will take strong personal willpower to remain on this path, though. So, they will continue to need a supportive environment so that they do not give up or backslide into continued substance use.

If they remain at home, their loved ones can provide ongoing support. Although, that is not always the best option. Sometimes it may be much safer for everyone if they go to a dedicated recovery facility instead.

Such a location can separate the substance user from the rest of the world, giving them a directed path to help. They will also not end up around many of the triggers that enable their continued use of drugs/alcohol.

Maintaining sobriety can be very hard, though. As such, ensure that you discuss the need to engage in long-term care and that such help is not the end of the road. It is important they understand that they will need to keep working even when counseling, rehab, or other support ends.

You can also talk to them about the feelings they might have when any therapy ends. Coming out of such a helpful environment may involve many conversations about what they learned and how to apply that to real life.

5. MAINTENANCE

After treatment, people need continued support and a solid foundation of new habits they can use to help them recover. This is to prevent them from seeking out old “easy” solutions to their problems, such as substance use.

While forming such habits can be beneficial, it also means trying to avoid situations or triggers that cause further problems. This might be specific stressful situations or things that cause anxiety or fear. Another such situation will be meeting individuals who will encourage further use or downplay how serious the issue is.

One way they can avoid these concerns is by investigating long-term help such as sober living arrangements. These can separate them from individuals who may be a problem.

At the same time, people who left rehab recently can also search for rehab alumni programs. These encourage people having success with recovery to continue to help one another. Another option is to follow up rehab with more professional therapy, or even vice versa.

A person in this phase of recovery needs to avoid the potential of relapse. They need to show self-awareness and a real commitment to continuous improvement. Examples of this might be continuing to take medication or attending counseling and support groups.

The individual might even want to look into meditation or mindfulness practices. These can help people with their mental health wellness while on the road to recovery from addiction. They also help people engage in self-reflection, making them more able to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Over time, anyone who succeeds at maintenance becomes more likely to remain strong and avoid drug/alcohol use moving forward.