Addiction recovery is a journey that takes time to move through. It’s also not an easy journey to start in the first place. But by navigating the stages of recovery from addiction, including opioid use disorder (OUD), you can work toward the future that you want while feeling proud of how far you’ve come.
Many experts think of addiction recovery as happening in five stages. These stages are based on The Transtheoretical Model, which is a theoretical framework that explains how people move step by step through behavior changes like starting treatment or making healthier life choices.
By learning about the ins and outs of the five stages, you’ll be able to determine if progressing through these stages is the right approach for your recovery.
Remember that there’s no strict timeline to addiction recovery. It’s OK to spend longer in one stage than others, and any setbacks don’t take away from your hard work.
Read on to learn about the five stages of addiction recovery and how Groups can help you maintain recovery from OUD.
Stage 1: Precontemplation
One of the hardest things to do when you’re experiencing addiction is to actually recognize that you are. It’s not uncommon to brush off addiction behaviors as “no big deal” or try to justify your decisions. That’s what the first stage consists of. Precontemplation can come from a few different ways of thinking, including:
- Denial about how much the behavior causes problems
- Lack of awareness
- Fear about the difficulty of recovery or other people’s opinions
While precontemplation is a stage that every person experiencing addiction likely goes through, staying firm in this mindset can prevent you from finding the support and help you need to live the life you deserve.
It means that you aren’t open to seeking help at this moment, and you aren’t likely to for the next six months.
Stage 2: Contemplation
Moving on from stage one takes the “pre” out of the step. This is the time that you start really thinking about your behaviors. The increase of awareness can come from:
- Seeing the impact it has on yourself and those around you
- An issue that stems from opioid use, such as issues at work or legal concerns
- Worsening of opioid use effects, such as constipation and sedation
At this stage, you’re still not completely sold on the idea of treatment, but it’s something that comes into your mind when the impact of your OUD is more obvious. You’re aware of the positive change it could bring, but you may be weighing out the pros and cons. You’re at least open to the conversation with others, even if the intention for seeking treatment isn’t there.
Every person has a different time frame for how long they’re in this stage. Some people put a lot of stock in the potential positives that could come from seeking recovery, while others never move on from it.
Stage 3: Preparation
If you’ve decided to get treatment for your OUD, congratulations! You’ve entered the third stage of addiction recovery, known as the preparation stage. This stage means that you’re ready to make an effort toward recovering from your addiction. While every step is significant, this is the first stage that allows you to move toward real change, and you should be proud of it.
This is when you’re starting to actively seek out treatment for your OUD. It can involve a few different actions, including:
- Opening up to others for support
- Researching possible treatment options
- Talking to your medical provider about your desire to change
This phase takes a lot of determination to work through, especially when it possibly puts the long road ahead into perspective. But it’s a huge step in the right direction, helping you to find the strength to move forward by looking at what you can gain.
Stage 4: Action
It’s time to put that preparation into action. The next stage in addiction recovery usually involves actively using treatment options, such as individual or group therapy or medication. By being completely mentally, emotionally, and physically engaged in the treatment, you’re putting in the effort to work toward recovery.
The fourth stage of addiction recovery includes:
- Managing withdrawal symptoms and early recovery challenges
- Building coping skills to manage cravings
- Leaning on your support system
- Making plans for the future with short-term goals
This stage allows you to showcase your willpower so that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It puts you in the mindset to see what you’re capable of.
Stage 5: Maintenance
Recovery isn’t a race that has a finish line. Once you’ve worked through detox and built the skills needed to push you through the challenges that come from experiencing addiction, it takes consistent upkeep.
For lasting recovery and long-term positive effects that come from treating opioid use disorder, you’ll need to continue to put your new skills and coping strategies into practice. By continuously holding yourself accountable, and taking note of how far you’ve come, you’ll be able to create the future that you deserve. It can include:
- Keeping up with positive routines
- Regularly attending therapy and/or support groups
- Celebrating successes, such as marking a certain amount of time without using again
- Appreciating your support system who believes in you
Groups can help you through the stages of addiction recovery
No matter how fast or slow you move through the five stages, addiction recovery is a journey that can impact your mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical health. It’s a worthwhile journey that requires treatment and support to continue moving along. At Groups, we’re here to help you move from one stage to the next.
Here at Groups, our caring and knowledgeable staff will be by your side once you decide it’s time to take a stand against your OUD. Our treatments usually come into play during stage three, but our resources, such as blog posts, can also help you during the beginning stages.
Once you’re ready, we’ll create a treatment plan for you that consists of:
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Medication
We provide members quick access to Suboxone, which reduces the effects of opioid withdrawal while also reducing the risk of misuse and the physical symptoms of opioid use. Through continuous medication management, necessary adjustments can be made based on effectiveness and side effects.
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Group support meetings
Through weekly in-person or virtual group sessions, you’ll be able to open up about your challenges as you go through the stages to people who can relate to your experiences. You’ll also gain a support system who can recommend strategies that have worked for them and may work for you, too.
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Custom life-goal assistance
Achieving long-term recovery involves looking forward to the next milestone that you’re capable of reaching without the negative effects of opioids. This can include anything from keeping a job to starting a new hobby. Our Recovery Support Specialists can help to get you in touch with the resources you need to reach your personal goals and improve your overall quality of life.
We’re not here to push you on to the next stage. We’re here to guide you, side by side, all the way to the maintenance stage.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
