Five Stages Of Addiction Recovery

Posted by Care Addiction Center on July 19th, 2022

A dependence on alcohol or drugs can make addiction recovery seem impossible. The recovery process is unique to each addict, but most will pass through similar stages.

In addition to identifying six stages of addiction development, specialists identify five phases of recovery. An addict's motivation for recovery and their journey to sobriety can be understood better by understanding the steps.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the five stages of recovery are:

1. Precontemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance

Step 1: Precontemplation

An individual in this stage does not believe they have an addiction problem and continues to use drugs or alcohol. Even though friends and family see the addiction has gotten out of control, the individual continues to deny they have a problem, despite the fact that their addiction is clearly out of control. They may even believe outside factors are causing their problems, not the addiction.

Step 2: Contemplation

During this stage, an individual begins to recognize that their alcohol or drug use is a problem. Change is on their minds, but they do not know how or when it will happen. It is not uncommon for them to tell themselves that they will change one day.

Step 3: Preparation

Having acknowledged their addiction, an individual realizes getting help and recovering outweighs the cons. During the process, they will learn about recovery and how to get help. Meetings with addiction professionals, drug and alcohol support groups, and rehab centers may be part of this stage.

Step 4: Action

In the fourth stage of recovery, individuals engage in programs and services that are essential to recovery and take the action they had been preparing for. An individual is open to receiving professional assistance, attending rehabilitation, and receiving support. Others around them are more likely to notice the change here.

Step 5: Maintenance & Active Recovery

The recovery process doesn't end with action. If maintenance is not strongly committed, it is likely that relapse will occur, usually to the precontemplation or contemplation stages. The maintenance stage focuses on maintaining the new behavior change.

Before leaving rehab, individuals should have a personal recovery plan, also known as a relapse prevention plan. In addition to vocational resources and family therapy, a personal recovery plan might include an introduction to a local recovery community, such as AA or NA. This comprehensive plan is essential in Stage 5, as the support and empathy of others allows the individual to maintain their recovery goals.

If you or a loved one needs help with substance abuse, Care Addiction Center can help you along every step of the way. Call our Illinois rehab today at 630-402-0144 to find out how to enroll in one of our alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs.