As the name would suggest, people in the contemplation stage are beginning to consider that they have a substance abuse issue or are considering cutting down or moderating their alcohol or drug use. The best way to handle a relapse is to take quick action to seek help, whether it’s intensifying support from family, friends, and peers or entering a treatment program. One advantage of mutual support groups is that there is likely someone to call on in such an emergency who has experienced a relapse and knows exactly how to help. In addition, immediately attending or resuming group meetings and discussing the relapse can yield much advice on how to continue recovery without succumbing to the counterproductive feeling of shame or self-pity. Nevertheless, experts see relapse as an opportunity to learn from the experience about personal vulnerabilities and triggers, to develop a detailed relapse prevention plan, and to step up treatment and support activities.
It may include rediscovering a work or social role, finding new recreational interests, or developing a new sense of spiritual connection. The important feature is that the interest avert boredom and provide rewards that outweigh the desire to return to substance use. • Identity—shifting towards a new, positive drug addiction recovery view of oneself, one more aligned with one’s deeper values and goals, one built on self-confidence gained by acquiring new skills and new behaviors. Planning in advance a way out of high-risk situations—whether an event, a place, or a person—helps support intentions in the face of triggers to use.
The Stages of Addiction Recovery
Another one of the most important ways to support recovery is to understand that multiple relapses over a number of years are typically part of the process. They are not occasion for blame or despair but for encouraging resumption of recovery. Families can develop awareness of a loved one’s emotional, environmental, and social triggers of substance use and manage those. Studies show that families that participate in treatment programs increase the likelihood of a loved one staying in treatment and maintaining gains. Recovery from an alcohol use disorder requires effort, time, willpower, and support. When you decide to enter a professional alcohol and drug treatment program, you will begin a journey through four distinct stages of rehab recovery as you learn to develop a healthy and sober lifestyle.
In the preparation stage, the person is beginning to move forward with plans made in the contemplating stage to change their substance use. Don’t let the word “theoretical” confuse you; the Transtheoretical Model of Change is a proven method that shows people don’t change behaviors quickly and decisively. Instead, people change their behavior continuously through a cyclical process. Relapse is a natural part of recovery, but remission is never impossible.
At What Points in the Addiction Cycle Is Treatment Needed?
Very few people find themselves immediately addicted to a substance — in most cases, addiction is a long progression through several stages, most of which have extremely flexible boundaries. One aspect that can make recovery from prescription pill addiction like hydrocodone addiction challenging is its legal and medical context. Individuals may have started taking hydrocodone as a legitimate prescription for pain, which can blur the lines between appropriate use and addiction. This medical legitimacy can sometimes delay the recognition of a developing addiction, compared to illicit drugs where any use is typically recognized as problematic.
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Treatment and Recovery
Depending on the type of substance being abused, tolerance can occur faster or slower but still ultimately resulting in addiction which is categorized by continued use despite the consequences. The journey of addiction recovery requires self-reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth. It involves seeking professional help, building a strong support system, making behavioral and lifestyle changes, and mastering relapse prevention strategies. All these are broken down into the five stages of addiction recovery. Recovery is a complete change of everything you have known, and there will be different stages you’ll experience.
