Recovery from a drug addiction won’t happen overnight. It’s a process—one that depends on several factors. For instance, the road to recovery can vary depending on the type of abused substance, emotional factors, social support, and more.
However, the general stages of recovery from drug addiction include the following six stages. If you or someone you love is experiencing drug addiction and seeking to overcome it, know that recovery from drug addiction is possible. In fact, it’s a reality for countless individuals who have found their way back to optimal health and happiness. So, let’s explore the stages of recovery in more detail below.
Stage 1: Acknowledging the Problem
During the early phases of treatment, even those who sincerely wish to overcome a drug addiction may struggle with commitment. Yet, the very first step toward recovery is admitting you or your loved one needs help.
For many, this can be one of the most challenging parts of recovery. Many individuals may deny that they have a problem or fear the withdrawal that they must go through during the recovery process. Additionally, there’s plenty of shame and stigma surrounding drug use within society itself; this can make it difficult for individuals to admit to having a problem and seek out help.
Ultimately, admitting to oneself and others that addiction has become unmanageable takes immense courage. This acknowledgment is also the foundation for all future recovery efforts. It means an individual is recognizing the possibility of change and reclaiming control of one’s life.
Stage 2: Seeking Help
Once someone acknowledges that they have a problem, the next step is to seek out help. Professional help is important to work through any psychological issues linked to drug use, as well as to safely withdraw from the drug itself.
And yes, this stage can be intimidating but it’s crucial to make progress forward. Seeking out help may take on various forms, as well, including:
- Therapy
- Detox programs
- Rehabilitation centers
- Support groups
- Medically-assisted treatments
Hope is also another important factor when paving the road toward recovery. Seeing others who have been successful can be motivating and offer examples of what life could look like post-recovery.
Stage 3: Detoxification (Detox)
Detoxification (detox) refers to the phase where the body forgoes the addictive substances and begins to re-balance without them. Typically, detox involves completely stopping the use of drugs under medical supervision. The process can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on several factors, such as:
- The type of substance(s) used
- Duration and intensity of use
- Individual physiology
- Overall health status
Medical supervision ensures this process is done safely and effectively. There’s no denying it; this is one of the toughest stages of recovery. This is largely due to potential physical withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Mood swings and mental challenges are also quite prominent during this time. An individual may struggle with intense anxiety, depression, mood swings, trouble concentrating, and substance cravings.
Yet, once through this stage, the above symptoms should subside, opening the doors to real healing and a lasting recovery.
Stage 4: Early Recovery
Early recovery marks the beginning of navigating life without substances. While it can be challenging, this phase can also signify great change, growth, and opportunity. This stage frequently involves:
- Therapy: This may include a combination of individual, group, and/or family therapy. During these sessions, personal issues and triggers are likely to be addressed. An individual will also learn how to navigate and change harmful thought patterns that may have supported their past addiction.
- Learning new coping mechanisms: During this time, you or your loved one will learn healthy ways to manage stress and cravings. This may involve learning mindfulness and relaxation techniques, participating in regular exercise, pursuing creative hobbies, and journaling.
- Rebuilding trust with loved ones: This phase also marks a time when individuals work toward mending relationships with those they love and rebuilding trust. As such, your therapist will likely encourage open and honest communication and potentially encourage family and loved ones’ participation in the therapeutic process.
Stage 5: Maintaining Recovery
Maintaining recovery is a lifelong journey that begins once an individual has established a stable period of sobriety. As such, this stage is about solidifying the progress made in earlier stages and developing long-term strategies to prevent relapse. This usually involves ongoing therapy, participation in support groups (such as NA or AA), and continued lifestyle changes to ensure a commitment and adherence to sobriety.
Stage 6: Relapse Prevention and Managing Setbacks
Relapses can happen; it is essential to recognize them as part of the recovery process rather than a failure of it. In fact, these relapses can ignite opportunities for growth and learning as long as they are managed properly.
When managing these setbacks, consider:
- Reaching out for support immediately (such as your therapist or sponsor).
- Seeking out medical attention and removing yourself from high-risk environments.
- Analyzing why the relapse occurred and how it can be prevented going forward.
- Re-committing to your recovery by returning to treatment and revisiting the reasons why you chose recovery.
- Repairing any trust or cracks in your relationships; this means taking responsibility for the setbacks and being honest with your loved ones.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, recovery is a lifelong journey. Yet, with the right support and determination, it’s entirely possible to overcome and recover from a drug addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling, seek out help; there’s no shame in taking that first step toward recovery and toward the rest of your life.
