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5 Stages of Addiction Recovery

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Medically Reviewed By: Diana Vo, LMFT

November 16, 2023

Table of Contents

Addiction recovery is a step-by-step process of transitioning from substance abuse to a life free of drugs and alcohol. The stages of addiction recovery include acknowledging the problem, deciding to do something about it, taking actionable steps to end the addiction, and achieving early and long-term recovery without relapse.

Each step in the process is an essential element in addiction treatment programs in California. To get help for addiction, you need to reach out to a professional treatment specialist that understands your condition and can develop the right treatment plan to help you recover. A therapist at Renaissance Recovery can guide you through the stages of recovery and help you reach your treatment goals.

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What Are the Five Stages of Addiction Recovery?

The five stages of recovery include the following steps:

Stage 1: Acknowledge the Addiction

The first step in addiction recovery is acknowledging that you have a problem. This can be the most difficult step because acknowledging the problem puts pressure on you to do something about it. However, acknowledgment can also be a first step to getting off drugs or alcohol. It simply requires an honest assessment of your current situation.

If you are going, to be honest about your addiction, you must be willing to change. You need to accept that you are no longer in control of your addiction and that you need professional help from a substance abuse treatment center. Once you are willing to admit that you have a problem and need help, you are ready for the next stage of recovery.

Stage 2: Taking the First Step

Now that you have acknowledged that you have an addiction, the next step is to do something about it. The next step includes checking into an alcohol or drug detox center. Detox is one of the most vital stages of addiction recovery. During detox, your body flushes out the harmful toxins and begins the process of healing.

Drug or alcohol withdrawal can be emotionally and physically painful. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, sweating, chills, insomnia, loss of appetite, or irritation. Detox centers provide 24/7 support, emergency care, and medication-assisted treatment to help you complete your detox.

Stage 3: Addiction Treatment

Once you complete your detox, you continue your addiction recovery in rehab. Treatment centers provide various addiction treatment programs, including individual and family therapy, holistic therapy, and support groups. You can get help for addiction by following the treatment plan recommended by your therapist. Treatment centers provide treatment programs, including:

Your treatment specialist can develop a plan designed to help you complete all stages of addiction recovery. A dual diagnosis treatment program can help you manage the symptoms of any mental disorders while overcoming your addiction.

Stage 4: Early Recovery

Once you complete your rehab, you are in the early stage of recovery. This can be one of the scariest stages of recovery because you transition back into your daily life. Up until now, you have spent a good deal of your time focused on your treatment. Now you must apply what you have learned in the real world.

Making this type of transition is easier if you plug into aftercare resources and services. You can build a support network through support groups, sober living houses, an alumni program, and continued individual or family therapy. When you have the support you need after rehab, you are more likely to manage your recovery successfully.

Stage 5: Long-Term Recovery

Nobody said that the stages of addiction recovery would be easy. This is why the 5th stage of recovery feels like an accomplishment. You have learned to master your triggers and cravings, you have connected with others in recovery, and you have re-established stability in your life.

By the time you reach the final stage, you begin to understand how professional help for addiction played in your recovery. You may be at the point where you can help others overcome their addictions.

Learn More About How to Achieve Recovery at Renaissance Recovery

If you would like to learn more about the stages of addiction recovery and how to get started with your treatment, contact Renaissance Recovery at [Direct]. We offer comprehensive treatment for all types of addictions.866.330.9449

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Joseph Gilmore has been in the addiction industry for three years with experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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