The 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Featured image: Back of a human with their arms up in triumph on top of steps
The five stages of addiction recovery are a roadmap for overcoming addiction, offering hope and guidance to anyone ready to embark on a life-changing journey. Understanding each stage of change and challenge should empower you to see the opportunities to navigate the journey to recovery with optimism, perseverance, and empathy.
What Is the Stages of Change Model?
The transtheoretical model (TTM), or the stages of change model, is a framework for understanding the things that contribute to changes in behavior. TTM helps people overcome addiction because it helps us understand how changes happen in steps.
The Five Stages of Addiction Recovery
The five stages of addiction recovery include the pre-contemplation stage, contemplation stage, preparation stage, action stage, and finally, the maintenance stage. Each stage is a unique phase in the journey towards long-term recovery and lifetime healing, using a solid support system and learned strategies to navigate successfully.
Stage 1: Precontemplation Stage
The contemplation stage is your awakening to change. In this stage, people are commonly in denial about their substance use disorder. They’re oblivious to the stress and chaos it brings to the lives of the people around them. They need a sense of awareness and foster the need for change. Strategies involve education, empathy, and exposing the person to the reality of their grim situation in a non-confrontational way.
Stage 2: Contemplation Stag
The contemplation stage is pondering a new path. It starts with a realization or a moment of clarity when you realize the hold addiction has on your life. This stage involves a lot of mixed feelings because the person has the desire to overcome addiction but is battling with the fear of letting go. This stage is about breaking through denial, and although it may not be profound yet, it’s a good step toward not wanting to accept their situation anymore.
Stage 3: Preparation Stage
The preparation stage involves laying the groundwork for change and committing to it. Here, the individual, friends, and family members seek treatment options, resources, information, and support systems to help their journey through the recovery process. It’s a time to research and ask questions to make informed decisions about the path that best suits their needs for alcohol or drug addiction.
Stage 4: Action Stage
During the action stage, you initiate a change and the process of healing commences. Beginning treatment marks the start of your engaged recovery. This phase is marked by obstacles and successes, yet it also represents a period of significant transformation in your life.
Stage 5: Maintenance Stage
After the action phase comes the maintenance stage, which is all about keeping up the progress you’ve made. Recovery is an ongoing process that doesn’t stop after treatment. It involves recognizing and handling triggers, utilizing relapse prevention techniques and coping mechanisms, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a strong support network. This stage requires setting new objectives, fostering positive relationships, and occasionally giving back to others who are also on the path to recovery. Maintaining your recovery is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication and effort.
Addiction Treatment in Southern California
If you or your loved one struggles with drug or alcohol use, compassionate, evidence-based substance abuse treatment options are available. At White Oak Recovery Center, all addiction treatment programs are rooted in scientific evidence and based on medical research.
White Oak Recovery Center tailors each resident’s treatment plan to their specific needs and goals with a comprehensive approach. Unlike other treatment facilities, WORC includes dual diagnosis and medically assisted treatment programs to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
WORC also provides on-site medical detox to treat withdrawal symptoms safely and as comfortably as possible. WORC also offers behavioral therapies, individual therapy, support groups, motivational interviewing (MI), harm reduction, and family therapy.
The path to recovery may have obstacles, but long-term recovery is within reach with the proper support from a rehab program and commitment. Your path to recovery may be a phone call away.
Contact our treatment specialists now to find the proper treatment for you. Change is possible, and a brighter future awaits.
Medical Disclaimer:
