Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. Following the stages of change addiction, the termination stage is the final point where the person adjusts to abstinence and can control themselves even when there are addiction triggers present. This stage demonstrates a complete recovery where the substance no longer has control over the individual. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that approximately 20.3 million people above the age of 12 have suffered from a substance use disorder in the past year.

• Or they will deny being irritable, drink or drug some more, and avoid looking at their behavior.
• Connecting with others who have walked a similar path offers understanding and acceptance, reduces shame, and reinforces the idea that recovery is possible.
• As someone who is personally journeying through recovery, Ben’s work is not only rooted in professional knowledge but also enriched by his own experiences.
• Mindfulness training, a common component of cognitive behavioral therapy, can help people ride out their cravings without acting on them.
• However, your journey to lasting recovery is only just beginning when you finally start to get back on track with your life.

The First Step To Breaking Any Addiction Once And For All

They encounter situations that tempt them to return to the substance of abuse, face social pressure, or experience intense cravings. They need a support system, coping skills, and a newfound determination to navigate these challenges successfully. In this stage, individuals have taken concrete steps to modify their addictive behavior and are actively engaged in the process of change. They are implementing strategies, making behavioral adjustments, and working towards achieving their goals of recovery. People in this stage usually experience their addictive behavior as a positive or pleasant experience.

How Does the Transtheoretical Model of Change Address Relapse?

Within the first hour of quitting alcohol, your body begins to undergo changes. Your blood pressure and heart rate may start to normalize as the immediate effects of alcohol wear off. However, you may still experience cravings and discomfort as your body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.

Phases of Addiction Recovery

It is a transformative journey that requires dedication, ongoing support, and a commitment to personal growth. The different stages include experimenting with the substance, dependence, addiction, and others. There are five stages of recovery that every recovering addict will experience until they reach long-term sobriety. Precontemplation is the first stage in the stages of change model of addiction and behavior change. People in the precontemplation stage typically do not consider their behavior to be a problem.

The maintenance stage is the fifth stage of the Transtheoretical Model of Change published by Prochaska JO, Velicer WF in their 1997 research study. In this stage, individuals have successfully modified their addictive behavior and are focused on maintaining their progress over the long term. The primary objective of the maintenance stage is to prevent relapse and sustain the positive changes made during the recovery process. From the pre-contemplation stage to maintenance, each stage represents a significant milestone on the path to lasting recovery. It is important to recognize that progress through these stages is not always linear, and individuals experience setbacks or cycles of change.

• Still, some people in the addiction-treatment field reserve recovery to mean only the process of achieving remission and believe it is a lifelong enterprise of avoiding relapse.
• Ideally, friends and family members show invested support and encouragement during the action process model of addiction.
• Addiction develops over time, in response to repeated substance use, as the action of drugs changes the way the brain responds to rewards and disables the ability to control desire for the drug.
• This is precisely why aftercare is a crucial component of your success.
• After completing a formal treatment program, individuals often receive an after-care plan tailored to their specific needs.

We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible. The ultimate objective is to create a comprehensive roadmap drug addiction recovery for living a fulfilling life post-treatment. It also restores your sense of purpose and helps you contribute positively to your community. Regular check-ins with a therapist, case manager, or group meetings hold you more accountable for your recovery.

Relapse Prevention and Maintenance