Recovery doesn't happen overnight.
When someone begins therapy, nobody should expect instant results. Like any significant change, recovery requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and grow. While the healing path may be challenging, it's undoubtedly worth the journey.
In our previous article, we discussed the different types of addiction: substance and behavioral. Now, let's delve deeper into the stages of addiction recovery.
What is addiction recovery?
Addiction recovery is the process of overcoming a substance use disorder or compulsive behavior. It's like learning to ride a bike: it takes practice, patience, and sometimes a few falls.
Along the way, the person in recovery may face various challenges, such as cravings, triggers, and emotional distress. However, with the right support and strategies, they can overcome these obstacles and build a fulfilling life.
What are the stages of addiction recovery?
A person recovering from addiction typically goes through three distinct phases as characterized by the three circles below. Understanding these can provide valuable insights into the recovery process and how to help them navigate the challenges ahead.
Inner Circle: Identifying Self-Destructive Behaviors
The initial step in the recovery process is identifying self-destructive behaviors. These are actions or habits that negatively impact one's life, leading to harmful consequences.
For example, if you’re addicted to gambling, behaviors like buying lottery tickets, playing slot machines, and betting can lead to financial ruin, strained relationships, and emotional distress.
However, self-destructive behaviors may not always be overtly obvious. They can often be subtle and deeply ingrained, requiring self-reflection and honest assessment. It's important to look for patterns and underlying motivations that may be driving these behaviors.
Key signs of self-destructive behaviors
Obsession and compulsion - Constantly thinking about the addictive behavior and feeling a strong urge to engage in it.
Loss of control - Difficulty limiting or stopping the behavior, even when there are negative consequences.
Negative consequences - Experiencing harmful effects such as financial problems, relationship strain, or health issues.
Tolerance - Needing more of the substance or behavior to achieve the desired effect.
Withdrawal symptoms - Experiencing physical or emotional discomfort when trying to reduce or stop the behavior.
Middle Circle: Setting Boundaries
Now that the person identified their self-destructive behaviors, the next step is to establish strong boundaries. These boundaries act as a protective shield from triggers and high-risk situations that could lead to relapse. By setting clear limits, individuals can avoid people, places, and activities that may tempt them to return to old habits.
For example, if you struggle with alcohol addiction, avoiding bars, parties, or social gatherings where alcohol is readily available can significantly reduce your risk of relapse. Similarly, if you're recovering from a gambling addiction, staying away from casinos, betting websites, or other gambling venues can help you maintain your sobriety.
Setting boundaries is essential for several reasons:
It helps to prevent relapse by minimizing exposure to triggers and high-risk environments. By avoiding situations that may lead to temptation, you can focus on their recovery and maintain their sobriety.
Boundaries protect mental and emotional well-being. By limiting exposure to toxic relationships and stressful situations, you can reduce your risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Setting boundaries can boost self-esteem and self-worth. By asserting one's needs and prioritizing personal well-being, you can develop a stronger sense of self and a greater ability to make healthy choices.
It is also important to remember that setting boundaries isn't about isolation.
It doesn't mean outrightly avoiding social interactions or cutting off relationships. Rather, it's about being mindful of one's triggers and choosing other activities that may promote one’s well-being.
Outer Circle: Cultivating Healthy Behaviors
Once self-destructive behaviors have been identified and boundaries are in place, the final stage of recovery focuses on cultivating positive habits and behaviors.
These behaviors don't have to directly relate to a person's triggers—it could be as simple as exercising, going on a diet, writing a journal, meditating, getting into a new hobby, or elevating your spiritual life. As long as these activities promote well-being and provide a sense of purpose, they can contribute to a successful recovery.
How to support addiction recovery?
Recovering from addiction won't be easy. Identifying the triggers alone and being consistent with boundaries can be challenging, even overwhelming. That's why it's better to involve close relationships in the process and seek professional support.
Surrounding yourself with a strong support system is crucial for successful recovery. Friends and family can provide encouragement, accountability, and emotional support. Professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can offer guidance, tools, and strategies to navigate the process.
Recovery is an ongoing commitment. Having people to support you as you navigate through the stages is the catalyst for lasting change.