Education

Stages of Recovery

As you begin recovery, you may wonder what you will go through or how long it might take. What follows is an overview of the stages of recovery. You can read more about the stages in Don't Call It Love available at:

The Developing Stage (Lasts Up To Two Years):

During this period of time, an individual struggles to balance the growing reality that a problem exists with the belief that the problem is manageable with the current resources, by using the current resources with a new energy focus, by leaving the current situation, or some other solution.

The Crisis/Decision Stage (1 Day to 3 Months):

At some point, a personal crisis will motivate an individual to take action or an individual will come to the conclusion that he/she can no longer live with the behaviors or the effect/consequences of the behaviors.

The Shock Stage (First 6 to 8 Months):

Following the decision to make a commitment to recovery, an individual begins to experience the first emotional symptoms, and sometimes the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Choosing to become involved in therapy and recovery community assist the individual in processing the immediate issues and gathering resources for the long-term of the journey.

The Grief Stage (6 Months):

Individuals experience deeper levels of emotional pain, become aware of trauma and/or family dysfunctions that have influenced the decisions to choose addiction as a coping strategy. Individuals address losses, and the development of sexual masking (participating in sexual behaviors that create an inauthentic persona or false self) that protects the individual from responsibility and pain. Individuals may also become aware of Post Traumatic Stress Reactions, or Trauma Bonds, that have caused them to repeat, in some sexual or sexually-related form, early abuse or overwhelming experiences from childhood or adolescence.

The Repair Stage (18 to 36 Months):

Individuals who persist in treatment and the recovery journey find that they are capable to re-organizing and managing their lives on a much deeper level. Individuals reconsider all aspects of life in terms of balance, safety, responsibility and self-care.

The Growth Stage (2 Years Plus):

Individuals evaluate and renew their relationships with themselves and with healthy others. Boundaries and authenticity become integral parts of living as a recovering addict.

For those of you who are going through recovery with a partner or spouse, it is important to note that you may go through different stages at the same time. To read more about how partners may go through stages too see the book, Mending A Shattered Heart available at: