RECOVERY STAGES IN ADDICTION
RECOVERY
Recovery from drug addiction is a process of growth and development that involves the whole person. It takes time, and not only attitude changes, but lifestyle changes as well. It begins the day one attempts to enter treatment.
There are four phases of recovery which are not feelings or states of mind, rather they are major life conditions. People vary and so do recoveries. Every life takes its own form and its own time. Not everyone has to deal with every one of the items on the accompanying list or in the particular order presented. Every recovering person probably has issues that are not on the list, however most people will still go through processes like the ones described here as they learn to re-experience life in a satisfying way, without drugs.
BOTTOMING OUT: This is when people are simply exhausted. They have broken all the promises made to self and to others and feel as if there is no lower to sink. Everyone has a different bottom, but you know it when you feel it, it feels terrible.
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Until now, the person lives only for the moment and does not face reality.
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Experiences collapse of support from others.
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Experiences great pressure to change.
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Is sick and tired of the hassles, cannot continue this way.
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Is despairing and confused about where to turn.
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Asks honestly for help (perhaps several times)
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Begins to share personal feelings with a positive supportive person.
AMBIVALENCE: This is a state of mind in which a person has co-existing but conflicting ideas and feelings about something. It’s the “betwixt and between” stage when people sit on the fence about recovery. The past seems too painful to return to and the future too uncertain and challenging to feel confident about. People seriously consider the possibility of a drug-free life and may begin to feel it out. This is a phase of self- doubt and self-examination.
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Resists the need to change lifestyle and is uncertain about what needs to be done.
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Acknowledges that drug-freestyle would be better but doubts personal strength and cannot imagine self as a drug- free person.
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Distrusts non-addicted world.
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Experiences great stress.
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Has very high craving whenever drugs are available.
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Fantasizes about ability to use drugs in future, cannot conceive of never getting high again.
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Have few positive activities and friends and is uncomfortable with clean recovering people- tends to be idle and alone a lot.
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Feels guilt and shame about the past.
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Wants to think of self as recovering but is afraid
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Hides the past from others who are clean.
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Have changeable moods, feelings and opinions.
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Becomes absorbed with new values and ideas and is increasingly enthusiastic about being clean.
In the case of chemical dependency a person gets typically ambivalent about continuing with drug use versus resisting or stopping it. The ambivalent track may take any of the following:
i). I want to quit using but I don’t want to quit.
ii). I want to continue using but I don’t want to continue.
The recovering person needs to determine clearly what is ahead of him/her in case he/she makes a change and what he expects to achieve or lose in case he/she doesn’t change.
Decision Box - This is a two by two table.
In the appropriate squares, write down both the good things (benefits) and bad things (costs) about quitting. Then write down the good things (benefits) and the bad things (costs) about not quitting. When you are done, you’ll have a complete picture of all the factors influencing your decision to quit.
For Example:
GOOD THINGS ABOUT QUITTING
a). Physical Implications
Better health in general
Longer life
Less chance for cirrhosis of the liver
Lessened damage to pancreas and other organs
Reduction of high blood pressure
Prescribed medication can do its work without interference
More energy
May help you stop smoking as well
Stronger voice- you can start singing again
Weight reduction
More attractive appearance
You’ll sleep better
Improved digestion
You’ll be able to get back in shape.
(Other) ____
b). Mental Implications
Greater sanity
Better memory
Better judgement
Enhanced ability to focus your thoughts and actions
Clever mind for creative work
You’ll be able to get more done
You’ll free up the energy you’ve put to use conning yourself into believing that you don’t have a problem with alcohol or drugs.
You’ll worry less, have less anxiety and stress, and feel more relaxed.
You’ll have more time for hobbies, community work, and home improvement and so on.
You’ll be able to concentrate on problems other than your addiction
c). Social Implications
Better chances of saving your existing marriages/relationship, or the chance to create a sober relationship with someone new.
Enhanced ability to make peace with parents, siblings.
Opportunity to make more positive friends
You won’t be so cross or inattentive with your children
You’ll be able to enjoy a wider range of activities.
You’ll save money.
You’ll avoid the embarrassment, expense and penalties of legal problems connected to using, dealing, and driving under influence and so on.
More time for family and friends.
Improved productivity at work.
Ability to take up your favorite sport again.
Opportunity to redeem your reputation as a sober, productive member of society.
Enhanced ability to plan for the future.
(Other) ____
d). Spiritual/ Emotional Implications
Feeling of pride in having the courage to quit.
Chance for true happiness.
More genuine emotional life (emotions aren’t tied to highs and lows of alcohol and drugs).
More freedom (no longer a slave to alcohol or drugs).
More control over your life.
More self-confidence.
Re-establishment of spiritual connection to God, self and others.
Ability to pursue higher aspirations now that substance abuse is no longer a problem.
Greater feeling of maturity.
Opportunity to make amends toward people you’ve hurt through your drinking or drug use.
BAD THIGS ABOUT QUITTING
a). Physical Implications
Withdrawal symptoms
Cravings
Missing the feeling of intoxication.
Diminished pleasure in smoking, eating certain foods.
Weight gain (for instance, from quitting speed)
Sleep problems
b). Mental Implications
Sudden inability to drown out self-doubt, regrets, guilt.
Boredom
Possible loss of agility and ease in writing, talking, being funny.
End of excuses for not dealing with other problems
(Other) ___
c). Social Implications
End to congenial evenings in the bar.
Your drinking/ drug friends will feel abandoned
Endless free time to fill
Increased bashfulness, shyness, sense of reverse.
Intensified loneliness
Loss of wine making beer brewing hobby
Awkwardness and self-consciousness at parties
Inability to entertain business people in a costumed style
Fear that intimacy may be impossible without the social lubricant of drinking/ drugs.
Greater sexual inhibition.
(Other) ____
d). Spiritual/ Emotional Implications
Diminished fun, spontaneity, sense of adventure
Loss of self-image as a misunderstood rebel
Inability to blame alcohol/ drug anymore.
Need to take responsibility for your actions
Chance of failure – as long as you don’t really put yourself to the test, you can always imagine that you will be able to quit.
Feelings of being deprived of the high/comfort/ ease that came with your use
Feel naked, vulnerable, unprotected.
(Other) _____
COMMITMENT: Now people begin to act on their ideas about recovery. Patterns of drug-free living emerge and gradually things start to go right. Hard work and healthy risk-taking in doing new things, engaging in new supportive relationships, new satisfactions, and new stability in the face of problems all mark this period of major growth.
Furthermore one:
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Cuts off relationships with user friends for good.
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Begins to get rid of symbols and paraphernalia of drugs use.
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Begins to set clear practical future goals.
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Carefully develops new relationships
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Begins regular learning or a work schedule (school or job, profitable work)
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Develops techniques to deal with craving (which is declining) and quickly uses support in case of a relapse.
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Helps others as a form of self-help.
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Reveals personal past carefully to certain people and is very conscious of being a recovering addict.
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May be working very hard and have intense close relationships.
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Begins to look forward to clean social recreation and to enjoy drug-free pleasures.
INTEGRATION: This phase describes recovering addicts in their new lifestyles. It is really just another name for the universal process of finding one’s place in the world and it continues for a lifetime for every mature person.
In addition:
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Resolves guilt and can reveal past as a personal fact without shame or fear.
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Without forgetting the past, feels like a drug-free person and a part of the recovering community.
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Personal rules that prevent drugs use applied nearly effortlessly.
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Helping others becomes an essential part of life.
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Openness to growth and self–improvement becomes second nature.
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Lives each day accepting the challenges, responsibilities, and satisfactions of work, love, and respect for others.
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Is no longer stimulated by old places, events, or people associated with prior drug use.
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Social network is ever widening.
Our Standard Review
Date created: 16 Aug 2024 07:25:30
Critical Evaluation:
The article presents a structured overview of the recovery process from drug addiction, outlining four distinct phases: Bottoming Out, Ambivalence, Commitment, and Integration. Each phase is described with clarity, allowing readers to understand the complexities of addiction recovery. The arguments made are logical and coherent, as they reflect a realistic progression that individuals may experience. However, the article could benefit from more empirical evidence or case studies to strengthen its claims. For instance, while it mentions common feelings and experiences during each phase, it lacks specific examples or data that could illustrate these points more vividly.
The reasoning throughout the article is mostly clear, but some areas could be enhanced. For example, the section on Ambivalence could delve deeper into the psychological aspects of this state, such as cognitive dissonance, which refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of why individuals struggle during this phase.
The article appears to maintain a neutral tone, avoiding overt bias. However, it could be perceived as slightly optimistic, as it does not fully address the potential for relapse or the challenges that may arise during recovery. Acknowledging these difficulties would provide a more balanced view of the recovery journey.
In real-world terms, the ideas presented in the article highlight the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of recovery. Understanding that recovery is not linear and that individuals may experience setbacks can lead to more compassionate support systems for those in recovery.
Quality of Information:
The language used in the article is generally accessible, making it suitable for a broad audience. Technical terms, such as "ambivalence," are introduced and explained adequately. However, some concepts, like the "Decision Box," could be better clarified with a brief example of how to fill it out, enhancing reader comprehension.
The information appears accurate and reliable, reflecting common knowledge in the field of addiction recovery. There are no evident signs of fake news or misleading information, but the article could improve by citing research studies or expert opinions to back up its claims. This would bolster its credibility and demonstrate adherence to ethical standards in research.
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of the recovery process, it does not introduce significantly new ideas. Instead, it synthesizes existing knowledge in a way that is informative. Nonetheless, it does add value by presenting the recovery phases in a structured format, which could serve as a useful guide for individuals seeking to understand the recovery process.
Use of Evidence and References:
The article lacks specific references to studies or literature that could support its claims. While it outlines the phases of recovery effectively, the absence of cited sources weakens the overall argument. More robust evidence, such as statistics on recovery success rates or testimonials from individuals who have gone through these phases, would enhance the article's credibility.
Additionally, the article could benefit from addressing potential gaps in evidence. For instance, it could explore the impact of social support systems or therapy on the recovery process, as these factors are crucial in many individuals' journeys.
Further Research and References:
Further research could focus on the following areas:
- The role of therapy and counseling in each phase of recovery.
- Long-term outcomes for individuals who successfully navigate the recovery process.
- The impact of social support networks on recovery success.
- Strategies for preventing relapse during and after recovery.
Readers may find the following types of literature useful for expanding their knowledge:
- Books on addiction recovery techniques.
- Research articles on the psychological aspects of addiction.
- Case studies highlighting individual recovery journeys.
Questions for Further Research:
- What specific therapeutic approaches are most effective during each phase of recovery?
- How do social support networks influence the recovery process?
- What are the common challenges faced during the Integration phase?
- How can individuals best prepare for potential relapses?
- What role does family involvement play in the recovery journey?
- How do different substances affect the recovery process?
- What are the long-term effects of addiction on mental health?
- How can communities better support individuals in recovery?
- What are the differences in recovery experiences between various demographics?
- How does the stigma surrounding addiction impact recovery efforts?
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