Is it time for you to fight for sobriety this year? If so, your first step is acknowledging that you have an addiction.
Sadly, many people in the United States struggle with dealing with substance dependency issues. Knowing that you need help can be scary, though.
How can you push forward to finally deal with your substance abuse problem? Awareness of the stages of addiction recovery is a great first step. By taking time to self-reflect, you can find the confidence to begin, or continue, your fight for sobriety.
Withdrawal
One of the first stages in recovery is withdrawal, which can be incredibly difficult and overwhelming. Symptoms can include physical, emotional, and mental disturbances, such as shakes, mood swings, insomnia, irritability, cravings, and strong urges to use. Achieving lasting sobriety can only occur after an individual makes it through the toughest stages of withdrawal and successfully navigates them.
Withdrawals should not be taken lightly or made a DIY endeavor. Professional support, such as doctors and therapists, can help those in recovery to manage withdrawal and its associated symptoms. Click here to explore treatment plans and support that can help individuals recover from addiction.
Early Abstinence
It involves abstaining from the substances that have been used, in order to break the cycle of addiction and establish healthier habits. It can be difficult, depending on the individual’s situation, but it can also be the springboard for further recovery stages. After reaching early abstinence, the next step is to begin to focus on learning how to manage cravings, triggers, and other symptoms.
This can include creating strategies to avoid using and identifying and addressing any potential physical or emotional causes of addiction. Early abstinence is a necessary step in the journey of addiction recovery, and there are many avenues available to help an individual become and stay clean.
Protracted Abstinence
This occurs when cravings and temptation come back, even after months and sometimes years, of remaining sober. During this stage, individuals in recovery must learn to cope with their triggers and seek resources to ensure that relapse does not occur. It is important to seek support from family and friends.
Assistance from professionals, and participation in self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, and healthy eating. Recovery studies suggest that individuals who remain in this stage are more likely to become and remain abstinent in the long term, so perseverance and dedication are key.
Adjustment/Resolution
During this stage, one becomes comfortable with their new lifestyle and the changes that it has brought about. They may face difficulties and challenges but are now able to deal with them and find solutions. They accept that recovery can be a long, arduous path and that recovery is a process of trial, error, and learning.
This stage allows them to develop new coping mechanisms and adjust to changes that may result from the addiction. They may need to look for new resources, such as alternative jobs or social activities; develop new skills, or even reconnect with friends and family who may have been pushed away due to the addiction.
Embark On The Journey Of Addiction Recovery Now!
Addiction recovery is an ongoing process that has three key stages: assessment, treatment, and ongoing care and support. A comprehensive approach to recovery must involve family and community involvement and compassion. With hard work and commitment, we can all take steps toward a sober and rewarding life. If you are struggling with addiction, reaching out to a doctor or support group can help you learn more about the recovery process.
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