Therapists have dynamic ways to help their patients in processing their addiction to better their chances of staying in recovery. There are stages of recovery that can assist a therapist in monitoring the developmental progress and growth of recovery in their patients. These stages can benefit someone who has struggled with addiction to learn how recovery can be useful in their lives and teach them the necessary tools to use at the appropriate times to not overwhelm them.
Each stage has its own expanding function, as well as its particular risks for relapse. Every patient will go through the stages of recovery at different lengths depending on their dedication and depending on the issues that need to be resolved. Using abstinence, repair, and growth as the stages can measure how the therapist will assess the patient throughout their recovery.
Abstinence
This stage can last for one to two years, or until the patient has better dealt with their cravings and has comprehended the fact that they cannot use substance abuse to cope any longer. Accepting that drugs and alcohol can no longer be the solution to their problems is a big piece of abstinence. Finding other things to replace drugs and alcohol with such as meetings, being honest, relapse prevention, self-care, and healthy changes as needed, can derive abstinence on a bigger scale. Physical cravings, withdrawal, and doubt are what can put the patient in jeopardy of not preserving their sobriety.
Repair
This stage can last for two to three years, or until the patient has had to time to mend the different areas of their life that has been damaged by addiction. By making reparations when needed and conceiving that their addiction does not define them, they will begin to evolve into developing a more balanced life. Not maintaining self-care and recovery principles can induce relapse behaviors.
Growth
This stage starts around three to five years of sobriety and does not have a end time. The purpose of this stage is to last the duration of one’s lifetime and continue to move forward to ensure long-term recovery. Changing thinking patterns and breaking the cycle in domestic patterns can help to reduce resentments and their residual effects and staying on track with recovery. The most influential way to promote growth is to be of service to others who are going through the same issues in recovery. The patient thinking that they now understand addiction and they can control it, or taking recovery life for granted, can put someone with longevity in sobriety into relapse mode.
The stages of recovery are a good indicator for how a therapist should evaluate their patients who want to be sober from addiction. Developing healthy life skills for each stage can benefit patients who want to become vested in their recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drugs and alcohol, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can assist them on how to stay sober. The stages of recovery can be discussed along with our holistic therapy and 12-Step aspects to show how recovery is better than relapse.
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