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Most people recovering from addiction will cycle through the stages of change three or four times before completing the cycle without a slip. While some alcoholics progress through the first five stages of recovery in a linear fashion, many do not. It’s more common for people to move back and forth through the stages of change as they tackle addiction. After completing a program at a treatment center, recovering alcoholics move into the maintenance stage, which generally lasts from six months to several years or longer. At this point, the individual is enjoying the benefits of quitting alcohol while focusing on sustaining the achievements made in the action stage.
At True Self Recovery in Arkansas, we offer free insurance verification for our clients who feel they need some help. When you contact us, we will carry out the thorough analysis of your addiction problem, and then recommend a workable Aetna drug treatment program. Next, we will contact your insurance provider on your behalf and verify your benefits. We will also let you know if you will be responsible for any out-of-pocket expense not covered under your plan. Yes, it is possible to move backward in recovery stages if relapse occurs or if challenges cause doubt about sobriety. However, relapse does not erase progress—it simply means revisiting the preparation and action stages to strengthen recovery.
Substance Use Treatment
- Recovery is not just about stopping drinking; it’s about building a new life filled with healthy habits, supportive relationships, and fulfilling activities.
- Individuals in this phase are often isolated, both socially and emotionally, and experience serious health consequences such as liver damage, cognitive decline, heart disease, or pancreatitis.
- Recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) is about more than avoiding alcohol.
- Providers who advertise with us must be verified by our Research Team and we clearly mark their status as advertisers.
- The journey typically begins with Initial Use, where individuals first try a substance, influenced by factors like curiosity or peer pressure.
- Outpatient programs may last three to six months or longer, depending on progress and personal needs.
Unlike the structured environment of early treatment, this stage tests one’s ability to sustain sobriety in real-world settings where temptations and stressors are ever-present. Understanding common questions about alcohol recovery provides clarity for those navigating this journey. Those who have been drinking heavily are often not eating well and making other healthy lifestyle choices. If you are planning to attend outpatient recovery services, you can either use a detox facility for these initial days or have loved ones help you at home. Alcohol withdrawal should only take place under medical supervision to ensure the most dangerous symptoms do not get out of hand. In some cases, a doctor can prescribe medications that ease the symptoms to make the process more comfortable.
The Role of Therapy and Support Groups in Recovery
Developing coping strategies—such as exercise, mindfulness, therapy, and support groups—helps navigate this stage successfully. Once detox is complete, people can begin work on the psychological, social and behavioral problems that accompany an alcohol addiction. Substance abuse Aftercare and ongoing support are essential for maintaining long-term sobriety.
Seeking Professional Help
Withdrawal symptoms are symptoms that occur when a person who is physically dependent on alcohol reduces or stops drinking. They develop because of changes in the levels of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The brain, which has become accustomed to alcohol, is unable to cope when alcohol is suddenly withdrawn, resulting in a range of physical and psychological symptoms. During a medically-supervised alcohol detox, a multidisciplinary healthcare team keeps you as comfortable as possible by managing your withdrawal symptoms.
Rehab Resources
Maintain your profile by updating your photos, video links, treatment services, and contact details to ensure optimal visibility. Recovery.com uses a standard procedure to make sure treatment provider profiles on our site are current and complete. The four types are young adult, young antisocial, functional, and chronic severe.
Complacency or a sense that the work is done once you reach maintenance is often a one-way ticket to recovery relapse. People who are in the first stage of addiction recovery aren’t yet ready for any addiction treatment program. This phase is characterized by defensiveness and endless justification of their behavior. There’s a clear lack of insight into the negative impact of excessive drug or alcohol use and a strong focus on the positive effects they experience from using their drug of choice. The stages of addiction recovery aren’t necessarily linear, and people don’t stay in them for a set amount of time.
It’s natural to have worries, but focusing on the progress your loved one has made instead of fearing relapse can strengthen your relationship and their recovery. From celebrating achievements to unwinding after a stressful day, drinking is normalized in ways that can mask developing problems. This cultural acceptance can make it hard to recognize when casual drinking is crossing into problematic territory. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Celebrating milestones can also be an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and set new goals for the future. It is important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process, and each milestone is a step towards long-term success.
Tips to Help You Stay Sober
Fear of withdrawal, worry about failure, and uncertainty about what life will look like without substances are all normal concerns. This is where they start thinking about quitting, weighing the pros and cons, and considering whether they’re truly ready for change. This stage can take time, and for many people, it includes moments of back and forth. Many people spend years in denial, convincing themselves that their substance use is under control, that they can quit whenever they want, or that their situation isn’t “bad enough” to need help.
- Understanding the five stages of addiction recovery isn’t just useful for those struggling with substance use — it’s also vital for families, friends, and treatment providers.
- Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey that involves more than just quitting drugs or alcohol—it’s about transforming one’s mindset, habits, and emotional responses to sustain a healthier lifestyle.
- In fact, 40 to 60 percent of people recovering from substance addiction relapse at some point according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse — but this doesn’t mean their treatment has failed.
These stories offer insight into the challenges and triumphs of the recovery process and provide hope for those who may be struggling. MAT involves the use of medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine, to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications work by blocking the effects of opioids or reducing withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery without experiencing intense cravings or discomfort.