Anyone who has been part of the addiction recovery process knows that it can be as complex as it is difficult. That is largely why the process is often broken down into steps to recovery or stages of recovery. Addiction recovery takes time and effort. Like most complex things, it is more approachable when it is broken down into smaller, achievable pieces.
Whether a person is struggling with addiction themselves or helping a loved one through it, the process can seem daunting. By breaking it down, you can accomplish it one step, or stage, at a time. Some break it down into the twelve steps, others into three or five stages.
Acknowledgment
The first step on the path to recovery involves some form of acknowledgment of the problem. This might come through an intervention organized by the loved ones of someone suffering from addiction, or from trained professionals asked to assess a person’s addiction issues. Whether initiated by others or not, the person dealing with the addiction needs to take that ever-important step of recognizing the addiction. Then the next step, moving toward recovery, can begin.
Detoxification
Detoxification is an early part of the steps to recovery. This can be a very trying time, and the help of loved ones and skilled professionals can make all the difference at this stage. Whether in an inpatient or outpatient environment, having the right people closeby is paramount.
Counseling
There is more to recovery than detoxification, though. For real recovery to take hold, the process needs to deal with the emotional or psychological issues surrounding a person’s addition. Counseling with trained professionals who can help identify these issues and find positive ways to cope with them is often necessary for a lasting recovery. This part of the recovery process requires careful diagnosis and personalized care that has been tailored to a person’s specific needs.
Commitment
The goal of any steps to recovery from addiction is a lifetime of sober living. This involves regular and repeated commitment to recovery. It also requires watchfulness and the support of friends, loved ones, and professionals dedicated to a lasting healthy recovery. Positive reinforcement whenever it is needed along with always having places to turn during difficult times help make this goal possible.
From facing addiction to committing to the recovery process to a lifetime of positive sobriety, addiction recovery is possible and more achievable with help.