Stages of Recovery
One Day vs One Year
What Is Long-Term Treatment?
What Does It Take?
Making a Plan
Here are answers to common questions about the recovery process that you may not know.
The word “recovery,” might only be related to someone who has an addiction to alcohol or drugs. But recovery can be any “change-process through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-driven lives and strive to reach their full potential.” The goal of recovery is to help people with mental health issues, or substance use disorders successfully manage their conditions and become acceptable, responsible, and productive members of society. A person who chooses treatment and recovery is making a conscious choice to move on to the next phase of their life. Treatment programs are available not just for alcohol and drug addiction, but also for other unhealthy addictions and behavioral health conditions like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, self-mutilation (such as cutting or burning), gambling addiction, sex addiction, hoarding, and compulsive shopping.
- What if I have a relapse? Is my recovery over?
No. A relapse during or after treatment is not a sign of failure. Addiction experts maintain that relapses are a normal part of recovery.
- So if I don’t relapse after treatment, does that mean I’m completely cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for addiction. Recovery does not mean that you’ve recovered from your addiction. It just means that you are working on successfully managing your addiction and regaining control of your life. If you don’t relapse after treatment, that’s great! But once you’re in recovery for your addiction or behavioral health condition, you’re in recovery for the rest of your life.
- Why is my recovery taking so long?
Recovery is a lifelong process, so it’s not something that has an endpoint. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique, so you may find that what works for someone else might not work for you. Just remember that you’re not alone.
What Is Long-Term Recovery from Substance Abuse?
Recovery is a messy process but a vital step for anyone who suffers from substance abuse and addiction.
When a person has started to overcome their addiction and regain their health, they enter a state of remission. Recovery begins when a person voluntarily incorporates the positive behavior they learn during their treatment program into their lives.
Most people who want to recover go through an addiction treatment program. Once the program is over, there is a risk of relapse if a person does not get the proper support for their long-term recovery from substance abuse.
Studies have shown that post-acute withdrawal symptoms from some drugs and alcohol abuse can last for months or years. This is one reason why long-term support is crucial to long-term recovery.
Stages of Recovery
Recovery from substance abuse does not happen in one day. It is a complete lifestyle stage that occurs gradually over months and even years. According to researchers Carlo DiClemente and James Prochaska, there are six distinct stages of the recovery process.
1. Precontemplation
In this initial stage, a person will not consider their substance abuse to be a problem. They do not want to listen to advice or want to be told about harmful side effects.
2. Contemplation
When a person has realized they have a problem, they have reached this stage. They may want to make a change, but they feel like they cannot fully commit.
3. Preparation
A person is ready to make a change. They want to talk to people about how they can get help and start making treatment plans.
4. Action
This stage may include a detox or enrollment in a treatment center or program. This stage also includes addressing many of the underlying causes of a person’s addiction.
5. Maintenance & Relapse
In this stage, a person begins to adapt to their new lifestyle. However, there is always a risk of relapse as substance use disorder is a chronic disease.
6. Termination
This is the ultimate goal of any recovery process. At this stage, the person in recovery feels they are no longer threatened by their substance of choice. They will feel confident about living their new life free of substances.
What Recovery Looks Like at Different Recovery Points
The recovery process will look different for each individual depending on their habits and what drug or drugs they used. This is a brief description of what sobriety may look like after one day, one month, and one year.
One Day
Day one of recovery will be the hardest day for most people. Many people suffer from withdrawal symptoms. These are usually the opposite of the symptoms experienced while on that drug. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Hot and cold flashes
• Increased heart rate
• Delirium
One Month
By one month, the withdrawal process should be complete. However, some people may still suffer from post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Many people have completed or are continuing to work through a treatment program. These programs should be complemented with therapy and support groups. Some people also move into a sober living facility to encourage recovery.
One Year
At the one-year mark, most people feel a sense of accomplishment that they have gone a whole year without using drugs or alcohol. At this point, many people have transitioned out of any treatment centers or sober living facilities. By one year, most people feel confident that they can achieve their goals without substance use. However, it is still recommended that individuals continue attending support groups and meetings.
What Is Considered Long-Term Treatment?
There are a variety of treatment options available for anyone with a substance abuse disorder. A short-term program is any program that lasts less than three months. Long-term treatment is generally considered a program that includes at least 90 days in a residential setting.
Short-Term Sobriety
During the short-term sobriety stage, a person in treatment will usually get introduced to a 12-step program or a similar recovery community. In addition, they will typically start a therapy program that may include medication.
Long-Term Sobriety
During the long-term sobriety stage, people should continue with their recovery programs:
• 12-step programs
• Maintaining positive relationships
• Discarding toxic relationships
• Ongoing medication
• Ongoing therapy
• Finding creative outlets
• Volunteering
• Repairing family relationships
• Staying active
Focusing on healthy habits and constructive programs encourages long-term sobriety while helping to avoid relapse. The best way to incorporate these aspects into recovery is by maintaining a strong, healthy support system.
- What Does It Take for Most People to Achieve Long-Term Recovery from Substance Abuse?
Many people suffering from an addiction can reach a point of sobriety. Unfortunately, many people then suffer a relapse. Anyone wanting to get sober and stay sober needs to have the drive to do it and have a long-term addiction recovery plan. If someone is feeling forced or unmotivated, they might not stay sober.
Five steps that can help encourage more long-term recovery.
1. Attend Support Groups
No matter what type of lifestyle a person has, it is therapeutic to share experiences with like-minded people. Studies show that support groups are beneficial for anyone looking for long-term recovery. These groups offer encouragement and support.
Addiction experts typically recommend attending at least one support group per week. Some people find it helpful to participate in meetings more frequently, especially right after completing an addiction treatment program. It is also helpful to participate in the same meeting each week so participants can bond with each other.
2. Uncover the Root Causes of Drug or Alcohol Use
One of the key steps in improving long-term recovery is understanding what caused a person to use alcohol or drugs in the first place. Some people turn to substance abuse to self-medicate, while others rely on these substances to handle stressful situations.
Once an individual understands why he or she abused drugs or alcohol, the odds of maintaining long-term recovery improve. However, this process is not always easy. Some people have a difficult time identifying the root causes of their addiction and what triggers them to turn to substance abuse.
Counselors and therapists can help a person work through their feelings and help uncover whatever the underlying cause may be. Therapists may use a variety of techniques including Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy to help patients deal with trauma and change their behaviors.
3. Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Another key step in improving the outcome of long-term recovery is making healthy lifestyle changes. These habits include:
- Eating Healthy Foods
Many people suffering from addiction do not care what kind of foods they eat. Once someone is on the road to recovery, it is important to make healthy dietary changes including eating more fruits and vegetables and less junk food. Healthy food can give a person more energy and help them feel motivated.
- Staying Physically Active
Adding movement as part of a daily routine can significantly improve a long-term recovery outlook. Whether it is walking, hiking, doing yoga, or lifting weights, exercise can help a person feel good about his or her body. Exercise also reduces boredom, which is a common trigger for a relapse.
- Staying Busy
With a rewarding job or engaging hobby, a person in recovery is less likely to go through a relapse. Finding something that gives a person meaning in their life or something that they are passionate about helps prevent boredom. Simple hobbies that can keep someone busy while also providing a creative outlet include cooking, painting, or writing.
- Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule
Having a sleep routine is also important to an overall healthy lifestyle. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps with body regulation.
4. Join an Alumni Program
When a person has completed a substance abuse program, he or she may be able to join an alumni program. This can be another way to find support in addition to standard support groups. Alumni groups can help a person stay connected with the people who went through the program at the same time as them. They can share supportive stories and help each other through common struggles.
5. Recognize When You Need Help
Even after taking all the right steps, a person may still find themselves struggling with cravings. They might find themselves obsessing over drugs or alcohol even with a good support group. When that happens, an individual needs to recognize when he or she needs help.
they have to identify the signs of a potential relapse and get help before that happens. It is also important to recognize that there is no shame in asking for help. If a person refuses to ask for help when they need it, they are more likely to relapse.
- The Path Towards Long-Term Recovery
While the road to long-term recovery can seem long and overwhelming, there is hope for those who want to find their way out. With a treatment plan in Zorbacare the best rehab in India, strong support system, and long-term goals, individuals who have suffered substance abuse can achieve a healthy, productive lifestyle as contributing members of society.