The 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery

Recovery from addiction is a long and difficult process, but it is possible with the right help and support. The five stages of addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Each stage is an important step in the journey to sobriety and lasting recovery. The first stage of recovery is precontemplation.

During this stage, a person may be unaware that their behavior is a problem or may not have a strong desire to make a change. They may deny their substance use or not yet have experienced the negative consequences related to their addiction. A person in the pre-contemplation stage of change may not be open to hearing about their behavior or advice to help them recover. The next stage is contemplation.

At this point, an addict has recognized that their drug use is a problem and begins to reflect more on their life and research more about addiction. They may start to consider the possibility of making a change and seek out information about treatment options.The third stage is preparation. During this stage, an addict begins to make plans for recovery and takes steps towards making a change. They may start to reach out for help from family and friends or look into treatment programs.

The fourth stage is action. This is when an addict takes concrete steps towards recovery, such as enrolling in a residential rehabilitation program or attending 12-step meetings. This is often the most difficult stage as it requires an addict to make significant changes in their life and break away from old habits.The final stage of recovery is maintenance. This is when an addict has achieved sobriety and works to maintain it over time.

This includes continuing to attend 12-step meetings, engaging in therapy, and developing healthy coping skills.Deciding to take action is the first step to a successful recovery, and American Addiction Centers can help you do that. Our state-of-the-art Delamere Forest facility covers everything from a drug or alcohol detox to group therapy sessions and individual counseling.