Drug addiction is a disease that can take hold very quickly but unfortunately often takes a very long time to overcome.
Although there are certain similarities amongst addicts and how they recover, every case is unique and no two people will follow the identical path. With the help of external influences however, most recovering addicts will pass through similar phases and stages which we have highlighted below.
The stages of drug addiction recovery
Awareness and acknowledgement
The first step of recovery for any addict is for them to acknowledge that they have a problem. Until a person has reached this point it is unlikely that they will willingly go to therapy or even if forced, that it will be successful. Although the addict is highly likely to still be taking drugs at this point and won’t have made any progress towards ending their addictive behavior, this first step is critical in paving the way towards recovery.
In most cases, awareness and acknowledgement only occurs following conversations with friends, family or co-workers and after the addiction has led to health, financial, work or legal problems. Sadly, more often than not it takes someone to hit rock bottom before denial will turn into willingness to make a change.
Taking action
In this stage, addicts are ready to take their first physical step towards recovery. They may look up information online, call a helpline, confide in a friend or loved one to help them or even visit their doctor so they can be referred to a specialist who deals with drug addiction.
By taking the step of learning more about their disease and the impact it’s having on their life, addicts are making the important transition from awareness to action. Although they’re not in recovery yet, they are certainly moving in the right direction.
Early recovery
By the time a drug addict is in early recovery it means that they will have stopped using the substance/s they are addicted to and they are learning how to live their life free of drugs.
This is a very difficult time for any addict because they are incredibly vulnerable at a time when they’re facing a huge challenge. Not only do they have to abandon people, activities and behaviors that have played a huge part in their lives, but they also have to establish the foundation for a brand new life.
It’s very common to relapse at this stage because addicts haven’t yet developed the skills they need to prevent them from relapsing. The support of those around them is absolutely crucial at this stage because rebuilding damaged relationships can be a huge motivational force for an addict to stay clean.
Active recovery
By the time an addict reaches the final stage of recovery, they will have developed new coping skills and healthier habits. They also will have discovered that staying clean requires a great deal of hard work for the rest of their lives.
Active recovery entails ongoing monitoring of thoughts and behaviors, practicing the new skills they have learnt, maintaining their support systems, staying alert to triggers and temptations and developing coping mechanisms for when times are difficult.
If you think that you need drug addiction help, please visit our ‘Am I an Addict?’ page for more information about the signs and symptoms. Alternatively, if you would like drug addiction counseling for yourself or someone you know, feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to help as well as discuss the stages of recovery with you.
