Addiction is a complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Living with addiction to drugs or alcohol can make life more challenging. Relationships may become strained, your health can suffer, and other aspects of daily functioning may become more difficult.
Recovering from addiction is not always easy or straightforward. However, receiving substance abuse treatment and support throughout the recovery process can help you stay focused on the goal of lifelong sobriety.
This article will explore the five stages of addiction recovery.
What you will learn:
- How addiction develops
- The stages of recovery
- How to treat addiction during each stage of recovery
- Where to find substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
If you or someone you love requires the support of an addiction treatment program, you can find the support you need at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team now to learn about our alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
How Does Addiction Develop?
Addiction typically develops in stages. First, people may begin to misuse prescription or illicit drugs. People may abuse addictive substances for many reasons, including:
- Curiosity
- To fit in with a peer group
- To get the drug’s desirable effects
People without any history of substance abuse or addiction may become addicted to a prescription drug, even when using it as prescribed.
After a period of misuse, people may develop tolerance to an addictive substance. Tolerance means that the body has adjusted to a specific amount of a substance. People with tolerance to a substance require a larger dose to get the desired effects.
Over time, substance abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. When somebody becomes physically dependent on a substance, it is very challenging to quit using it. People may experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop drinking or using drugs. These symptoms can lead to relapse before detox is complete.
In many cases, people require comprehensive addiction treatment options, including medical detox and rehab programs. Comprehensive treatment can help people overcome the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of substance abuse and addiction.
What are the Stages of Addiction Recovery?
Like addiction and physical dependence, addiction recovery occurs in stages. Addiction and mental health experts have identified five stages of addiction recovery.
Here is an overview of the stages of recovery.
1. Pre-contemplation
During the pre-contemplation stage, a person with addiction may not even recognize the severity of this condition. They may be in denial about the effects of drug or alcohol abuse. They may only focus on the downsides of giving up addictive substances.
People in the pre-contemplation phase are not open to the idea of recovery. Their friends and family members may have serious concerns about their loved one’s behaviors, health, and more.
During this stage, family and friends may consider staging an intervention. An intervention may help the addicted person recognize the need for help.
2. Contemplation
During the contemplation stage, an addicted person may begin to think about reducing their substance use or stopping altogether. They may think about the pros and cons of getting sober.
People may remain in the contemplation phase for six months or more before taking steps toward recovery. In some cases, people may feel ashamed or guilty about their substance abuse. They may be concerned about what going to rehab will mean for their employment, family life, or other aspects of their lives.
3. Preparation
The preparation stage– which some addiction experts call the determination stage– occurs when someone decides to make changes in their behaviors. For some, this may include giving up drinking or doing drugs.
The preparation stage can be challenging. People who decide to quit ”cold turkey” are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms that make detoxification very challenging.
Going through detox in a treatment facility can help people remain safe and comfortable throughout the process. In a professional addiction treatment program, people receive medical care and emotional support that helps them manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
4. Action
During the action stage of recovery, the addicted person recognizes that their substance use has become problematic. At this stage, the person may take steps to get the treatment they need. They may reach out to a family member or someone else in their support system to ask for help. or, they may commit to a medical detox or treatment program.
Comprehensive addiction treatment programs involve medical detox programs and holistic support. Treatment programs typically include:
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Holistic therapies, including acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness, nutrition support, and more
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning and support
People who attend comprehensive treatment programs receive tailored, intensive care that can help them overcome the complex roots of their substance abuse. Research shows that people who attend long-term rehab programs have a greater likelihood of maintaining sobriety for longer periods.[1]
5. Maintenance
Many addiction experts say that addiction recovery is a journey, not a final destination. Lifelong addiction recovery requires commitment, patience, and lots of support.
When someone has maintained their recovery for six months and has been consistent with their behavior changes, they are in the maintenance stage of recovery. The maintenance stage of recovery can be a time of celebration and pride.
However, it can also be a time of uncertainty for some. Many people in recovery face new challenges or discover that their problems have not simply disappeared because they are sober. It is essential for people to get ongoing treatment and support so that they can remain on track and committed to recovery.
Recovery support may include:
- Attending regular therapy sessions
- Living in a sober living community
- Attending 12-step meetings or support groups
- Joining your rehab center alumni group
- Receiving regular mental health and medical care
These and other recovery supporting activities may help people keep their optimism and enthusiasm during the maintenance stage of recovery.
Find Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the intake specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide