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What Are the Stages of Addiction Recovery?

Pathways Recovery Centers • July 8, 2021

The Stages of Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is not an easy process. It requires lifestyle changes, mental health fluctuations, a thorough understanding of recovery, and what you can expect during the journey.

While there’s no straightforward recovery process, and it differs from person to person, there are six stages of addiction recovery that can help you and your loved ones understand the concept of recovery as a whole.

The Stages of Change model, formally known as the transtheoretical model was created by Carlo DiClemente, James Prochaska, and John Norcross and details the six stages of addiction recovery that help you recognize the problem, admit it, and then deal with it.

You should note that the steps aren’t linear.

Some individuals go through them in order, while others move back and forth between stages. Yet, others are in more than one stage at a time. Read on to identify and understand these stages.

ALSO READ: The Relationship Between Addiction and Trauma→

Step 1: Precontemplation

In the precontemplation stage, addicts are in denial about their problem.

They’re defensive about their issues and rationalize them when confronted by their loved ones. Because they have not yet faced any negative consequences, they refuse to think about quitting.

Not only is there a lack of insight, but there’s also the belief that recovery isn’t possible.

In truth, recovery is possible for everyone, given that they take the appropriate actions toward it.

Step 2: Contemplation

Addictions have now realized that they have a problem and may contemplate taking action.

However, they are not committed to the idea. During this stage, it is essential for loved ones to avoid blaming and judging the one in recovery.

This will push them away from the truth and make it impossible to guide them to the next step in the recovery process.

Step 3: Preparation

It’s during this stage that the addict is ready to take action and pursue sobriety.

Support and encouragement are crucial during this time, and individuals should start developing a treatment plan with the help of professionals.

Step 4: Action

Detox and active treatment now begin.

In addition to sobriety, individuals are taught how to cope with triggers and stressors to avoid relapse. This is a concrete step toward recovery and is important for building a solid foundation to maintain sobriety.

Step 5: Maintenance

It’s integral to remember that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic illness.

There’s always a risk of relapse. This is why lifestyle changes must be implemented and maintained.

Step 6: Termination

This is the last stage and the one that ensures that the imminent threat of relapse is terminated.

Confidence is built up, and sobriety seems possible in the long run. While SUD is a constant battle, addicts are now more relaxed and have an easier time maintaining sobriety.

No matter how difficult, recovery from addiction is possible.

It is a cycle, and there are different stages of addiction recovery that every addict must go through to get to the other side and maintain their sobriety.

Of course, all of this starts with rehab.

Pathways Recovery Centers aim to be your path out of addiction.

Check out our alcohol rehab and drug rehab programs here and get in touch with us to discuss our various treatment options.