Drug and alcohol abuse may split families and turn once accomplished and loving people into desperate, lonely husks of their former selves. Though the effect is terrible, there is hope at the end of the tunnel. Aalcohol rehabilitation center program can help anyone overcome addiction under direction and assistance.
For those who are addicted as well as for their family members, knowing the five phases of addiction rehabilitation might help. Every level succinctly outlines the steps of realizing and owning the problem, getting ready for addiction treatment, and handling life following drug and alcohol usage.
People do not stay in the stages of addiction recovery for a predetermined length of time; they are not always straight-lined. Of course, some folks sail precisely through the stages with great speed. Furthermore, therapists and counselors working on rehabilitation programs have certain ideas they might apply to help clients traverse the recovery process.
Using this approach might also enable the addicted person personally to develop self-understand. Insight is a great tool for transformation since it helps one to be aware of the choices they are making right now.
What are the Five Stages of Change?
1. The Contemplation Stage of Addiction Recovery
The first stage of addiction is not yet ready for any kind of addiction treatment program. Defensiveness and limitless explanation of their behavior define this stage. The negative consequences of too many drugs or alcohol are not well understood, and their happy experiences from using their preferred drug of choice take the front stage.
A lack of knowledge of addictive behavior could cause someone to stay in this stage. Disappointment with several failed attempts at recovery and treatment alternatives is another reason we routinely see patients caught in the pre-contemplation stage. Most people in pre-contemplation believe they just cannot recover. Anyone may bounce back from any level.
2. Phase of Recovery: Contemplation
The second phase is distinguished by reflective preparedness. This indicates that the person is not instantly ready but rather ready to bring about future transformation. Unlike the last stage, they know the benefits of drug-free living.
Still, they are also quite aware of the advantages they get from drug or alcohol addiction. For family members and treatment centers, this is a crucial period since the person is more likely to listen to reason. One can help them to move to the next level by avoiding responsibility, criticism, and accusations.
3. Get Ready for Addiction Recovery
Regarding preparation, the person is becoming more and more urgent about their need for sobriety. Usually, they have started the process of acting by planning to visit a gym, see a therapist, or try to kick addiction on their own without going to a treatment center.
People in this phase often go for a day or two without turning to drug or alcohol addiction; but, it is also quite regular to see people go back to contemplation or contemplation in case triggers or challenging emotions surface.
4. Action Phase of Healing
The person has changed significantly in their life and is dedicated to doing so throughout the action stage. Extended durations of abstinence and the tendency to seek professional help before or after relapse define this phase of change.
It won’t be only a matter of stopping the detrimental conduct; transformation will show itself in several spheres of their existence. This therapy stage reflects both self-care and self-understanding; yet, counseling is needed to keep them on the correct road.
5. Addiction Recovery: Maintenance Stage
The person is actively trying to stop a relapse in addiction during the maintenance period. They are also maintaining the lifestyle modifications they instituted—regular exercise, leisure activities, sobriety, attention to sleep hygiene, and support group attendance. Unlike those in the action stage, they do not need to relapse, so their confidence increases and they believe they can keep sobriety over the long term.
Key Take-Away
Depending on the degree of the addiction and the personal background and heredity, this period can last six months to five years. Six months of abstinence is enough for a small fraction of individuals to reach the point where they stop returning to their addictive activity. For most people, though, a two to five-year commitment is required to break the pattern and confirm the transformation.
