Drug addiction takes a negative toll on families and society. An addict is always at a risk of losing their job because it results in laziness, nursing hangovers at work, slacking, untidiness, and more unruly behavior.
One may start stealing money from work because they need it to keep buying the drugs. If a parent is an addict, then the home shall know no peace because all money will be channeled to drugs and the children will be neglected.
All the Texas rehab centers have been set up to help people overcome addiction. The recovery journey entails a lot of therapies and treatment. Let us discuss the steps of addiction recovery.
- Pre-contemplation
This is the first stage of the recovery journey. It is the most challenging stage as it is characterized by a lot of denial and hopelessness from the individual taking drugs. In this stage, the addict is in denial of being dependent on drugs.
They always have an excuse as to why they are using drugs and defending themselves claiming to be in control. They do not have an idea of any negative effects caused by the consistent use of drugs and alcohol. Instead, their whole focus is on the bliss and pleasure they get.
Most people are stuck in the pre-contemplation stage. They are unaware of addictive behaviors and worse, they do not know they have all the signs of an addict. Others have tried quitting before but failed many times and have now given up. They now believe there is no possibility of recovery for them.
However, with a little nudge from their loved ones, an addict might come out of this stage and give treatment a try. It is possible for any individual to recover from whatever stage they are at.
- Contemplation
In this recovery stage, an individual is quite ready to begin treatment. They are well aware of all the good and harm that is caused by drugs and alcohol and they are ready to change to a better version of themselves but not immediately.
They understand what they gain from being drug-free. They are also aware of how they feel when they use drugs. Unlike individuals in the first stage, these here can be advised, and they will listen.
The contemplation stage is a trying one because the individual will weigh the pros and cons of drugs and choose what resonates with them more. Family, friends, and the staff of a rehabilitation center are important here because they have to steer the individual in the right direction. That way, they can move to the next stage.
- Preparation
In the preparation stage, the individual is willing to start making changes as their goal is toward sobriety. Their approach is more like self-treatment because they do not commit to any rehabilitation facility.
However, they enroll in a gym or start home workout routines, their diet changes, and some even go further to visit a counselor. The free time they had and used to take drugs is now replaced by all these activities.
They try their hardest to keep busy and may go a few days without using any drugs and substances at all. Some try quitting all on their own, however, it is not easy to recover on your own. The bad days with withdrawal episodes may hit so hard and send them back to using drugs again or back to the contemplation stage.
Worst case scenario, they go back to the pre-contemplation stage where they convince themselves that they cannot recover. It is a natural reflex since self-recovery is very draining and requires a lot of strength for an individual to pull through. Read more here https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/10/biology-addiction
- Action Stage
As the name suggests, the action stage is marked by a lot of changes in the individual. They have made up their minds and are fully focused on their sobriety. Here, abstinence from drugs is for an extended period. It is not a matter of a few days like in the preparation stage.
The individual seeks help from professionals who are always available before, or they experience a relapse. They are more self-aware and self-conscious through this stage. They make visible changes and one can clearly tell that they are on the right path.
They exercise more, eat balanced diets, find new hobbies, and do activities that give them joy and a sense of purpose. It is important to note that counseling is required. Recovery is more than just the physical, it involves the emotional and psychological baggage too. Counseling gives an individual a safe space to air out their feelings and emotions. No matter how in control you may think you are, sign up for counseling as it steers an individual in the right direction.
- Maintenance
It is like the final stage of recovery. Here, individuals strive to maintain the balance they had during recovery to avoid any slip-ups or relapses. They maintain the same lifestyle and activities like working out, maintaining sobriety, improved sleep patterns, eating balanced diets, and dehydration.
Support groups and having a sponsor are equally essential here. Unlike those in the action stage, they do not easily relapse but instead, they believe that they can actually stay sober. The maintenance stage can last up to five years before one reaches the point where they can completely do without drugs. However, this period may last a few people six months. All these depend on an individual’s level of addiction and their genes. The common range of periods for most people in the maintenance stage is between two to five years. After this, they are completely clear of drugs. Click here to learn more.
Conclusion
Do not hesitate in committing yourself or your loved one to a center before it is too late. When selecting a rehabilitation center, choose one that allows you to heal at your own pace. The perfect facility has experienced professionals who prioritize your journey to sobriety.
Prevention is better than cure. Avoid using drugs by all means possible. Cut ties with peers who try to influence you. Find a therapist that can talk you through your traumas and pain instead of turning to drugs.