Seeking professional help for drugs or alcohol is a brave step. For those struggling with substance use disorders and caught in the cycle of addiction, the idea of attaining a life of recovery can seem distant. However, healing and recovery are possible with the proper treatment programs and support. Recovery is not a destination; it is a journey and has multiple stages. There are 4 stages of recovery, but what are the 4 stages of recovery?
Insight Recovery Center can help you or a loved one break the cycle of drug or alcohol addiction, so call us today for recovery options. Together, we can help you or a loved one start the recovery journey.
What Are the 4 Stages of Recovery?
Recovery is a journey, a process that proceeds according to stages. Your relationship with addiction is unique, so progressing through the following stages may take different amounts of time for each person. However, the end goal is the same: a life of sustained sobriety.
Stage 1 – Treatment Initiation
Treatment initiation begins when you seek professional help for a substance use disorder. The first stage is seeking professional treatment, whether this is voluntary or through other circumstances. This early stage can be precarious as doubt, denial, and the lure of your previous lifestyle work to undermine your resolve to seek treatment and stick with it.
Common pitfalls at this stage that make you doubt the need for professional treatment may include:
- Convincing yourself that your substance use is not as bad as people think
- Convincing yourself that you are in control of your substance use
- Convincing yourself that you will have enjoyment out of life without substance use and the associated lifestyle
These are false rationalizations and will only delay your journey toward recovery. The main goal of this stage is for you to accept and engage in the need for professional addiction treatment for drugs or alcohol. If you are not on board with your treatment and willing to commit to healing and recovery, it is hard to make progress toward a life of sobriety.
Stage 2 – Early Abstinence
This stage is where a lot of groundwork is laid for a lifetime of recovery. As the name implies, the early abstinence stage means you have ceased the use of all drugs or alcohol and are committed to attaining recovery by working with addiction treatment professionals. Addiction professionals use individualized treatment plans with evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches. The plans are based upon your addiction history and level of severity.
At this stage, withdrawal symptoms are a real concern. These can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening depending on the substance use disorder, thus it is essential to have professional addiction treatment specialists overseeing this stage of recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is commonly used at this stage to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. The underlying reasons for your addiction are explored through therapy and educational resources so that healthy coping mechanisms and life skills can be developed as your treatment and recovery progresses.
The main challenges at this stage often include the following:
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Triggers that can contribute to relapse
- Cravings, both physical and psychological
The key to embracing the recovery process at this stage is to commit to and engage in treatment, taking advantage of every resource and surrounding yourself with a robust support network. This often includes avoiding former friends and social situations that may act as triggers to your substance use and instead gravitate towards sober friends, family, and activities.
Stage 3 – Maintaining Abstinence
After an extended period of abstinence and structured treatment, often several months, you have developed insights into your substance use disorder and habits that you can build upon to maintain abstinence and recovery. The work at this stage is about avoiding relapse and maintaining sobriety. One of the best ways to do this is with relapse prevention therapy and a relapse prevention plan. You will learn essential skills for building a life of sobriety and avoiding triggers that may cause a relapse.
Some of the goals at this stage include:
- Building healthy relationships that support your sobriety
- Avoiding people, places, and situations that may act as triggers and cause relapse
- Developing a sober lifestyle that incorporates exercise, nutrition, and wellness
- Continue therapeutic treatment, often on an outpatient basis
You will remain in this stage for several years, demonstrating that you have committed to recovery and living sober.
Stage 4 – Advanced Recovery
The final stage of recovery, attained after several years of maintaining abstinence, is when you apply all the skills, lessons, and strategies gained throughout treatment and supportive recovery to live a fulfilling life. This requires you to have long-term goals and supportive people in personal and professional roles to help you implement these strategies for maintaining a life of sobriety. Consistency is key; maintaining a schedule that promotes sober, fulfilling activities and incorporates personal and professional goals will help you continue your recovery.
Some ideas for maintaining this stage of recovery include:
- Set personal and professional goals, both short-term and long-term
- Cultivate relationships with supportive people who understand your sobriety
- Continue to avoid triggers and use coping skills and strategies when necessary
- Never fear to reach out for more professional treatment if you feel you are in danger of relapse
Alcohol and drugs do not have to control your life; recovery is possible with the help of addiction treatment professionals like Insight Recovery Center in Asheville. For North Carolina residents prepared to start on a journey of treatment and recovery, Insight Recovery Center is ready to help.
Contact Insight Recovery Center Today
What are the 4 stages of recovery? They are a life-long journey that begins when you seek treatment for alcohol or drug use and commit to a life of sobriety.
Insight Recovery Center offers outpatient programs for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. We offer a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and gender-specific men’s and women’s rehab among our addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one resides in North Carolina and needs addiction treatment, call 828.826.1376 or reach out online today.