It takes work, time, willpower, and support to recover from an alcohol use disorder. When you decide to enroll in a professional alcohol and drug treatment program, you will start a journey through four distinct stages of rehab recovery as you learn to create a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Precontemplation
In alcohol and drug rehab recovery, there are different stages of change. Depending on the individual’s needs, it is essential to understand each stage and how it may affect the person’s recovery. Each stage involves a step toward change and requires a plan to address those changes. Throughout the stages of recovery, relapse can occur. Having a support system in place can help reduce the risk of relapse. A comprehensive treatment program, from Impact Recovery Center Atlanta can provide all of the necessary support an individual may need.
Precontemplation is one of the most common stages of change in alcohol and drug rehab recovery. People in this stage lack understanding about addiction and the changes that will be needed to overcome their substance use disorder. They may not be willing to seek professional help and may be unaware of the consequences of their behaviors. During this stage, it is essential to encourage them to acknowledge their problem.
Precontemplation is a period of denial that can lead to a negative outcome. This can include an overdose or a “slip” into using again. An addiction specialist should be consulted if you find yourself in this situation. It would help if you were encouraged to realize that you have a problem and there are ways to overcome it. An addiction professional can offer a variety of treatments that can help.
Contemplative readiness is another stage of change. At this stage, a person is ready to make changes in their life but still is aware of the positive aspects of using and not aware of the negative consequences. Those contemplating change may be willing to consider various options, such as motivational approaches, and be open to learning about different strategies. However, those who are more rebellious may not appreciate being told what to do. These individuals may have difficulty making decisions and may not commit to specific changes. Nevertheless, you can provide your loved ones with resources and encouragement.
Precontemplation in alcohol and drug rehab recovery is a critical stage. You should identify what your strengths and weaknesses are as you move forward. Creating a list of your goals and writing down three specific goals can be a helpful way to guide your own journey. Taking the time to talk to your family members and your therapist can also be an excellent way to prepare for change.
The preparation stage is a critical part of the stages of the change model. Those in this stage are looking for a solution to their addiction and are preparing for the change. They will start to commit to change as they think about their past, present, and future. Whether they choose to cut back, get professional help, or both, this stage is a crucial step to taking action to get clean.
Abstinence Before a Time
Early abstinence, the second stage of rehab, is where you go once you’ve decided to keep getting help for your substance abuse issue. Early alcohol abstinence has a strong correlation with successful recovery. Cravings, peer pressure to drink, and high-risk situations that can lead to alcohol consumption are difficulties at this stage of treatment. Your certified addiction counselor will start teaching you the coping mechanisms you need to maintain a sober lifestyle while you are still in the early stages of abstinence. Throughout your recovery, you will benefit from the skills you learn now.
Upholding Abstinence
You will pass from the early abstinence stage of recovery to the third stage, maintaining abstinence, after 90 days or so of uninterrupted abstinence. If you began your rehab program in a residential treatment program, you would now transition to the outpatient continuation or follow-up counseling phase. Maintaining abstinence by preventing relapse is obviously one of this stage of rehab’s primary goals. You will discover the indicators and actions that can precede a relapse. To maintain a genuinely sober lifestyle, you will learn how to use the tools you acquired during your early abstinence in other areas of your life during this rehabilitation phase.
Progressive Recovery
After about five years of sobriety, you will enter the fourth and final stage of your rehab—advanced recovery. At this point, you put all the knowledge and abilities you have gained from your rehab counseling to use by using them to live a satisfying, fulfilling life.
