Stages of Recovery

“Recovery is a process, not an event…”

There are 4 stages of recovery that all individuals experience. It is important to know and recognize these different stages to have insight into your progress throughout recovery.

Initiation into treatment

This is when the individual first arrives at rehab. This can be a time of mixed emotions, and often the addict will still be dealing with the effects of whatever drugs or alcohol is still in their system. Some people will be initiated into treatment against their will, and so can feel doubtful of success at this stage.

Early abstinence

This is where the real work begins in rehab. The individual has now committed themselves to go along with the program. This can be a difficult period because of withdrawal symptoms. This might be the first time that the individual has had to deal with life without a chemical crutch in years so emotions can be high.

Maintaining abstinence

This can be a treacherous period because it involves moving from rehab back to the real world. The individual will have been encouraged to build an armory of recovery tools during their time in rehab, and now will be the time to use them. This is the time when people are most at risk of relapse. So long as they remain committed to recovery they will make it through this period.

Advanced recovery

Once people have been clean/sober more than 5 years, they will usually have created a comfortable life away from addiction. The risk of relapse never completely goes away, but staying sober has become a habit. The individual will have faced many challenges during the preceding years, and this will make it easier to deal with any future challenges that come their way.

http://alcoholrehab.com/addiction-recovery/phases-of-recovery/

“Recovery doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger”- Unknown