The different stages of recovery

There are many different ways of looking at the process of recovery. For those in early sobriety, many will adamantly say that they are sober and are going to stay sober. That is a great statement and plan. For any in that early stage of recovery, it is usually important to understand that sobriety is an early step in recovery. Sobriety and recovery are not the same thing. Sobriety is necessary for recovery, but there is much more to working a good recovery program. Years one to three of recovery are considered early recovery. Years three through five are middle recovery. Over five years is considered late recovery or maintenance.

Prochaska's Stages of Change model uses a few more specific terms to describe the different stages of recovery. These stages are Precontemplation, Contemplation, Determination/Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse. Below is a review of Prochaskas model of change. For more details, you can check out Prochaska's book Changing for Good.

Precontemplation is when someone is unaware that there is a problem or thinks they don't have a problem. At this time it is helpful to remember that each person must be the one to decide to change. It can help to begin to recognize what circumstances lead to use. If this is where you are at, it may help to review when your use started and how it has progressed over time. Understanding the risks of use are also important.

Contemplation is primarily when someone is considering changing their use behaviors though they may still be unsure how they feel about the idea change. Once again, it is important to remember that the choice to change must be the individuals. If change is something you're contemplating, identifying specific thoughts and emotions connected to use can be helpful. Also, think through the pros and cons of changing and consider what might some of the positive outcomes be of making changes.

It can also be helpful to review what you value and what is important to you. What is important to you in your relationships with your family and friendships? What are your values in the areas of career, education, health, and community life? What kinds of things do you enjoy? What are your spiritual values? In the big picture of life, what do you want to be known for?

Determination/Preparation is when someone begins testing the waters of change and has been making some plans. Figure out what some of the obstacles you may have to making change. What will make change hard or what could get in the way? Do you need more social support and where can you get it? Have someone help you identify what your strengths are. What skills do you bring to your own process of change? Remember, in the process of change, keep your steps small so that you can see each victory.

Action is when someone has been experiencing several months of change. You have been practicing some new behaviors and making some new choices. This is a good time to clarify what your triggers are that lead to use. Make a list of your personal triggers and make a very clear action plan about what you're going to do when you are confronted with each trigger. Remember to surround yourself with good social support to help with these plans. Review the obstacles to change you have encountered and remind yourself of how you have overcome them. Be open and genuine about the loss and grief you feel in multiple areas of your life. This includes the grief that comes along with ending use and the losses and griefs that are a result of use.

Maintenance, in Prochaska's model, is six months into sobriety to five years. This is a time of solid, continued commitment to all the new behaviors begun during recovery. Vigilance is vital during this time. Many who treat behavioral and drug and alcohol addictions would recommend during this time to have a solid plan for relapse. It is vital to plan so that if relapse happens, the recovery from the lapse is quick and the return to a good program of recovery happens quickly. Learning from relapse, if it happens, can strengthen recovery. Make a plan for support through this and review the internal rewards for recovery.

Relapse. As mentioned, it is vital to plan for relapse. If it happens and a relapse plan is utilized, it is much more likely that someone will not spiral into a full blown relapse or a return to all the old behaviors. After relapse happens, take time to evaluate what the triggers were and what part of the action plan you made was not followed. Reevaluate your level of motivation and the types of barriers you are now facing and reengage in all your levels of support. Strengthen all your coping skills. Up your level of support in all areas.

So, which stage are you in and what do you need? Make a plan and get some help.