Everyone’s experience with addiction recovery is unique. No one will share the exact same road to developing their addiction as you, and likewise the path to recovery will be equally as diverse. Addiction and recovery can vary based on several factors, both internal and external. Some of these factors include the type of drug that was used, prior drug use, the duration of addiction, family history, and age.
While the experience is different for everyone, for the majority of people it can still be analyzed and broken down into a progression of stages. Specialists mapped out five stages for recovery: awareness, consideration, exploring recovery, early recovery, and active recovery/maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about the five stages to recovery.
Stage 1: Awareness (Recognition)
An addict’s recovery process begins when they become aware that their substance abuse is a problem and they decide to do something about it. The key component of this step is for the user, not a family member or friend, to admit that they have a problem and desire for a change to happen. Most often, this stage is triggered by a crisis event in the addict’s life, such as a dangerous incident like a car crash or an emotional incident like a partner leaving them.
By itself, Stage 1 will not break the individual away from their substance addiction. However, it is a crucial moment for starting their recovery process.
Stage 2: Consideration
The next step after admitting that they have a problem is for them to further reflect on their life and research more about their addiction. Researching their addiction can help them to understand how it happened, how strong its hold can be on an individual, and what can be done to escape the addiction.
During this stage, the user will experience a clearer understanding than before, usually seeking to learn more about the damages they have caused and the people they have hurt. This allows them to realize they need outside help to overcome their substance abuse problem, and that the opportunities for a safe recovery do exist.
Stage 3: Exploring Recovery
Once the addict has recognized their addiction for what it is and taken more time to learn about it, they are ready to begin stage 3. At this stage, recovery moves from reflection, research, and desire to actively starting down the road to becoming substance-free. This stage is where many addicts make the decision to visit a rehabilitation center or possibly even enter a rehab program. Stage 3 helps the addict to strengthen their resolve and find motivation to overcome any challenges that are to come.
Stage 4: Early Recovery
If the addict has not already entered a rehab center, this will happen at the beginning of stage 4. This stage is characterized by the individual putting their recovery plan into action and making the effort to see it through. To start, they will need to choose what kind of recovery program is best suited to their needs. During this stage, the addict will begin the detoxification process and therapy to better understand the underlying causes of their addiction and how to tackle obstacles on the outside of treatment. Therapy will vary based on the patient’s individual needs, but may include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Skill-building, Yoga, and Meditation.
Stage 5: Active Recovery & Maintenance
During this final stage, the addict works hard to prevent addiction recovery relapse, as well as keeping up the lifestyle changes they have made, such as getting regular exercise, staying sober, recreational activities, and attending support groups. Recovery is an active process, meaning that it will be ongoing for the rest of the individual’s life. To make this stage easier, it is important for addicts to have a strong support system in place, not only for difficult times, but also in times of success and everyday living.
Addiction Recovery at Palmetto Addiction Recovery Centers
Addiction recovery at a professional treatment facility can provide you with support that you would not have doing an at-home recovery. With a professional team, you can get help to manage your withdrawal symptoms, as well as managing your mental health symptoms. Another key benefit of using a professional treatment facility for addiction recovery is that our team of professionals will be there to oversee the entire process and address any concerns or problems, while keeping you safe from overdosing or relapsing.
Here at Palmetto Addiction Recovery Centers, our team of professionals understands that recovery is unique to everyone and will work with you to create a treatment plan that works best for you. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorders, treatment professionals are standing by to help with a variety of treatment options. Call or visit Palmetto Addiction Recovery Centers today.