Understanding the recovery process for drug or alcohol addiction is crucial for those acting as support systems for an addict. Below we have outlined the major milestones those recovering from addiction face to help you better prepare for how to provide support during each stage.
Many programs define stages of recovery in different ways. You might be familiar with 12-step programs, as they are the most common. However, Sober College’s 10+ years of experience helping young adults reach recovery is what has led us to compile the following steps to sobriety below.
Feel free to share the infographic with friends or family who might benefit from understanding these stages, or scroll to learn more about them individually.
To Embed this infographic on your site please copy the code below
To read the text based version on our blog click here
Steps To Recovery From Addiction
- Discovery: Many who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction are in a denial that a problem exists and may be unable or unwilling to recognize the negative consequences addiction imposes on not only themselves, but their loved ones. In many cases, a friend, loved one, or co·worker may recognize the problem first and offer their support.
- Drugs and alcohol are affecting work or school performance
- Relationships with family and friends are strained
- They are in trouble with the law
- Intervention: Interventions are designed to assist an individual in coming to terms with the reality of their addiction and provide them with a treatment plan to help them achieve sobriety. Utilizing the assistance of an interventionist can help alleviate stress and keeps the intervention on track, ensuring action quickly follows its conclusion.
- Gather family and friends together
- Contact an interventionist to facilitate the intervention
- Have a treatment plan in place immediately following the intervention
- Admission: Someone may recognize they have a problem with drugs or alcohol on their own, or with the help of a loved one. This can come from realizing they are reliant on the substance or that it is negatively affecting other areas of their lives such as their relationships. It is important to have a strong support network during this time.
- Recognize that substance abuse has become a problem
- Agree that the problem needs to be addressed
- Open up to friends and family about it
- Detox: Detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be a painful and uncomfortable process and the discomfort experienced can increase the likelihood of a relapse. Also, depending on the substance, detox can cause life threatening side effects. In order to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, address any potential health risks and reduce the risk of relapse, a medically supervised detox may be recommended.
- Go “cold turkey to allow chemicals to leave the body
- Check into a detox center
- Treatment: Selecting an appropriate treatment program is an essential part of an effective recovery. Attending support groups, going “cold-turkey” or checking into a rehabilitation facility are only some of many options available. The effectiveness of each depends on the unique needs of each individual, the type of addiction and the extent to which it has progressed.
- Consider the options
- Chose the right treatment program
- Accepting Help: Accepting help is essential in recovering from addiction. The risk of losing a job, a spouse, family and friends, or their freedom can often be the driving force that pushes someone to accept the help they need.
- Seek medical attention
- Accept offered advice
- Progress onto treatment
- Residential Rehab: It is recommended that individuals attend a residential treatment program for 90 days to 6 months. By removing themselves from their home environment and participating in individual therapy, group therapy and counseling, individuals are able to build a support network of sober peers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to enjoy a life free from substance abuse.
- Live in a sober environment for at least 90 days
- Undergo individual, group and family therapy sessions
- Learn healthy coping skills to prepare for a Life after treatment
- Sober Living: Depending on the individual, sober living or outpatient treatment may be the first step in recovery or it can serve as a transition from a structured residential treatment environment back into real life. Aftercare or sober living environments provide an additional level of support and a community of sober peers helping newly sober individuals when they return to their normal lives.
- Live at home or in a sober living environment while still attending therapy and group sessions
- Practice the tools learned in treatment in a less structured setting
- Recovery: After the completion of a recovery program, an individual is better prepared to live free from addiction. They know how to avoid triggers and have the tools to cope with stressors. And by participating in support groups, they are surrounded by people invested in them and their hopes to live a successful, sober and ideally, a fun life.
- Continue to avoid substance abuse triggers
- Attend support groups and seek support from friends and family
- Enjoy the new possibilities a sober life provides
Take The First Step Towards Addiction Recovery
If you know someone who might be struggling with addiction and you’re not sure how to get past the discovery or intervention phases, it might be time to talk to an expert. Feel free to give Sober College a call at 424.229.4179 or check out our tips for leading a successful intervention.