Stages of Addiction Recovery

There are three stages of recovery: the transition/abstinence stage, the early recovery/repair stage, and the ongoing recovery/growth stage. The following is a description of each.

The Transition/Abstinence stage begins right after a person stops using and lasts 1 to 2 years. This stage is characterized by dealing with cravings and not using. Tasks applicable to this stage:

The Early Recovery/Repair stage is characterized by repairing the damage caused by addiction and usually lasts 2 to 3 years. A staple of this stage is being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Tasks applicable to this stage:

The Ongoing Recovery/Growth stage is when an individual develops skills that eluded them because of their addiction. It starts 3 to 5 years after an addict stops using and lasts a lifetime. Tasks applicable to this stage:

Stages and associated tasks taken from Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery by Steven M. Melemis

Further Reading:

• Eating Disorder Severity Test

• How to Talk to Someone Else with an Eating Disorder

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