The 5 Stages of Recovery from Addiction

What are the stages of addiction recovery?

The stages of addiction recovery are based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, created by Prochaska and DiClemente in 1982.^[1] 

This model explains the stages a person goes through when making significant changes to their behaviors. It includes the fluid and non-linear nature of traversing these stages and the importance of personal willingness and motivation to change.

Understanding this model and how it applies to addiction recovery can be beneficial for people beginning the recovery process. It can help them recognize the thought processes that underlie behavioral change and how their attitude toward their recovery can greatly impact their progress. ^[2]

Stage 1: Precontemplation – Denial of the problem

The precontemplation stage occurs before the individual has recognized that their addiction is a problem. Many people with an addiction will be in this stage for some time before recognizing or accepting that they should contemplate changing their behavior. ^[3]

Common thoughts and behaviors during this stage include:

• Being unable or unwilling to recognize an issue
• Denying to others that there is a problem
• Refusing to engage in conversation about entering addiction treatment

Moving on from this stage can be difficult, even if friends and family members attempt to advise the individual that they need to seek treatment for their addiction. Until the individual recognizes a need to change, they will remain in the precontemplation stage. In some cases, a severe incident, such as an overdose or drug-related death of a friend, can prompt a person to progress from this stage.

Stage 2: Contemplation – Considering change

The contemplation stage occurs after the individual has recognized and accepted that their addiction is a problem, often due to experiencing negative consequences of their or others’ behaviors and hearing feedback from loved ones. ^[4]

Thoughts and actions during this stage might include:

• Considering if they should reduce or stop their addictive behavior
• Weighing the pros and cons of continuing with their addiction
• Not feeling quite ready to stop but becoming aware of the issues
• Considering asking for help or talking to others
• Ambivalence and indecisiveness about making changes

Strategies that might be beneficial during this stage include:

• Getting advice from professionals, loved ones, or people who have gone through recovery
• Being honest about the negative effects that their addiction is causing
• Reflecting on the underlying issues that might have contributed to the development of the addiction
• Learning more about the impact of addiction

Stage 3: Preparation – Planning for sobriety

During the preparation stage, the individual has acknowledged that their addiction is causing negative consequences and is becoming motivated and committed to change. ^[3]

Thoughts and actions during this stage might include:

• Recognizing and admitting the severity of the effects of their addiction to themselves and others
• Making plans that will help them alter their behavior
• Making some lifestyle changes and implementing healthier habits
• Reading about or engaging in techniques to improve their mental well-being, such as starting therapy or reading self-help books
• Beginning to reduce their addictive behaviors, possibly even attempting to quit without professional interventions

Actions that can help navigate this stage include:

• Learning more about the available treatments and ways to overcome addiction
• Planning what steps to take over the following days and months to be adequately prepared for the recovery process
• Speaking to loved ones about plans to quit, acknowledging the positive impact that this could have
• Considering possible triggers that will arise during recovery

Stage 4: Action – Taking steps toward recovery

During the action stage, the individual is proactive and makes recognizable changes to their addictive behaviors. This might include: ^[3]

• Several months of abstinence
• Increasing confidence about their recovery and ability to change
• Recognizing the positive impact of their changes
• Being willing to seek or utilize professional interventions and support from loved ones

Strategies that can help navigate this stage include:

• Engaging in therapy, support groups, or medicinal treatments
• Utilizing inpatient rehab to help with detox and withdrawal
• Formulating a relapse prevention plan to help manage triggers and challenges throughout recovery
• Asking for feedback from friends and family to receive positive reinforcement of behavioral changes

Stage 5: Maintenance – Sustaining sobriety

The maintenance stage of recovery involves being abstinent for over six months. The individual will likely feel confident about their ability to maintain their sobriety, although they may still experience triggers and temptations at times. Because of these potential challenges, maintaining sobriety requires consistent evaluation and support. ^[3][5]

Strategies that can help include:

• Regularly reviewing their recovery process, reminding themselves of their reasons for wanting to be sober
• Evaluating and adapting their relapse prevention plan, recognizing challenges and triggers they have experienced and the effectiveness of strategies they have utilized during these moments
• Continuing to engage in therapy and support groups to maintain mental well-being, motivation, and support networks
• Recognizing the possibility of relapse and forming a plan to help return to sobriety should this occur, allowing for acceptance and improvement

Many people find it beneficial to regularly attend a support group, at any and all stages of recovery, such as:

• Narcotics Anonymous
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• SMART Recovery

Various psychosocial interventions are available that can help individuals during recovery, including support with housing, financial, and employment issues. Professionals can help by providing advice or referrals to appropriate services. ^[4]

Phone apps can help with recovery by tracking sober days, providing motivational notifications, recording experiences and emotions, and providing community support.

The importance of professional support at each stage

Addiction recovery is a challenging process and many people benefit from utilizing professional support throughout. Professionals can help provide valuable advice, teach coping skills, manage contributing factors and issues, and plan for relapse prevention. Professional support can improve recovery outcomes. ^[5][6]

Relapse: Is it part of the recovery process?

It is very common for people to relapse during the recovery process, possibly on more than one occasion. However, it is important to view relapses not as a failure but as a step toward recovery and a chance to reflect and learn, improving coping skills and strategies. ^[5]