Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Although recovery from alcohol or drug abuse can be a difficult and unforeseeable process for many people, addiction specialists all around the globe have identified a pattern in individuals who have long-term results.
  • Going through treatment takes a lot of courage and determination, and making the decision to live a life clean of alcohol and drugs is simply the first step.
  • Since psychologists have recognized that each stage of rehabilitation necessitates distinct tactics in order to properly manage the client, the stages of recovery have received prominence.
Reading time: 10 min

Although recovery from alcohol or drug abuse can be a difficult and unforeseeable process for many people, addiction specialists all around the globe have identified a pattern in individuals who have long-term results. Going through treatment takes a lot of courage and determination, and making the decision to live a life clean of alcohol and drugs is simply the first step. Even reaching that stage is tough for many addicts in recovery.

Since psychologists have recognized that each stage of rehabilitation necessitates distinct tactics in order to properly manage the client, the stages of recovery have received prominence. Even though there are five distinct stages of addiction recovery, they can also be classified as “early,” “middle,” and “late.”

For example, a patient in the Contemplation stage will be regarded in the “early” stage of recovery, which means that schemes concentrating on pressing issues (curtailing cravings, preventing relapse, staying away from use) should be prioritized, whereas later phases of recovery are more centered on relationship rebuilding. A psychotherapist can begin to comprehend how to help each client reconstruct their life in a systematic, ordered manner by assessing where they are on their road to sobriety.

This path is by no means the same for all. Some people would make improvements, only to return a few steps later. Some users may also have to restart the process several times. No one is flawless; the essential thing is to keep trying to improve. (source: NIDA, 2024)

Although this ability depends on the context, it illustrates that the psychotherapist is not the source of various stages of recovery. They originate from the participant’s inner thoughts.

Stage – 1: Pre-Contemplation Stage 

Individuals in this stage have usually not yet agreed to themselves that they have an issue. They are frequently going with the flow because they are under stress from their partner, relatives, job, or the authorities in these situations. (source: SAMHSA, n.d.)

Most drug abusers will stop speaking about their addiction at this point, fearing that people may try and change them. Anyone attempting to stage an “intervention” at this time will very certainly be met with vehement denial.

Read Also: How To Recover From Being Roofied

Individuals in the pre-contemplation stage of addiction frequently believe that their addiction is caused by a variety of things, such as their employment, home situation, or genetic nature. Patients recalling their Pre-Contemplation stage is among the bleakest stages of their lives in many cases. Some people reach what is known as “rock bottom,” which can rise to sentiments of Contemplation about their addiction. They have progressed from the Pre-Contemplation stage to the Contemplation stage when they’ve realized they have an issue.

Stage – 2: Stage of Contemplation (source: APA, n.d.)

Even when a person is failing to grasp the source of their habit and how to overcome it, considering possible courses of action is a huge step ahead. Some people spend years in the Contemplation stage, with only hazy plans for how to proceed. Even reaching this far is a huge accomplishment.

While frequent use may persist throughout this stage, contemplators claim that they are loving their character flaws less and using more. This heightens their sense of pessimism, which is typically countered by inspiring feelings of possibility for transformation. Individuals will be prepared to move onto the next stage of the process if they begin to think about a possible future clean of drugs instead of dwelling on their past.

People who are nearing the conclusion of this stage frequently express the feeling that they are no longer “hopeless.” Instead, a mixture of exhilaration and anxiousness replaces such sentiments. (source: NHS, n.d.)

Stage – 3: Preparation Stage

People who have reached the Preparation stage have been fuelled by their enthusiasm and have devised sound recovery plans. Individuals who are planning for a life free of drugs have more than a vague idea as to how they need to get better, be it through a promise of abstinence or admission to an addiction rehabilitation center. Simply deciding to concentrate on recovery for a day, a week, a month, or a year can allow patients to move into the Action stage. An addiction recovery center can assist patients in learning how to manage their addiction and provide them with the tools they need to permanently conquer their alcohol and drug addictions.

People sometimes report having to overcome emotions of ambivalence before moving on from the Preparation stage. Nevertheless, once they’ve decided on a course of action and a deadline, they generally move forward without a hitch.

Stage – 4: Action Stage  (source: WHO, 2019)

Individuals engage in the preponderance of what they regard to be “healing” during this period. To put it another way, they adjust their conduct or their environment to effect change.

Recuperating addicts gain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment by executing the transformation for which they’ve been prepared. Even though this stage often necessitates the most work on the part of the individual, it is the most crucial because it serves as the foundation for their successful ongoing recovery.

From the outside looking in, this is frequently the first step that others can notice. Addicts frequently go through the first 3 stages while being criticized for not truly improving. While this takes a lot of effort and time to reach this point, individuals who do express feelings of pleasure and self-worth as a result of their internal development. (source: NCBI, 2013)

Stage – 5: Stage of Maintenance 

Enormous change is only achievable with unwavering devotion. Patients frequently return to their usual environment once the Action phase is completed. They sometimes are able to take a fresh look at their lives and make a concerted attempt to improve themselves. When exposed to an atmosphere that reminds them of their unlawful background, several people relapse. Visits to an old buddy might often spark urges that go back to stage one.

The maintenance phase is so large that it includes the entire “late” recovery period. While there are many practical steps you can take to prevent relapsing into old behaviors (e.g., changing your contact information, picking up a new pastime), genuine maintenance is using your recent sobriety to investigate the source of your addiction. This reduces the chances of the addiction emerging as something else entirely, such as overeating, sex addiction, or gambling. (source: StatPearls, 2025)

Premium luxury rehab facilities for addiction will go over all of the stages of recovery in greater depth and will assist substance abusers in leading a sober life. Healing addicts will be given outpatient services like family, group, and individual therapy for long-term sobriety via programs like luxury drug addiction programs and aftercare.

It is natural to choose to help or give advice to somebody you know who is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. In some circumstances, it may seem smart to give empirical advice about individuals you know who profess to have quit “cold turkey” or who ended up going to rehab and miraculously improved and saw their desires vanish. Sadly, this isn’t always the case.

Good-natured people will frequently repeat “pointers” from different stages of recovery and unintentionally try to offer advice to a recovered friend. When a client attempts and does too much before they become ready, it could become stressful and result in relapse. As a result, it’s critical to entrust high-end upscale addiction therapy to people who know how to promote recovery in a secure, controlled setting. While it is normal to want to assist someone on their journey, the best thing you could do for them is to be encouraging.

It’s important to note that just because someone has achieved maintenance will not really mean they are free of addiction. It is a chronic ailment, similar to heart disease and diabetes, that requires significant lifestyle modifications to manage. As a result, it’s critical for persons in recovery from addiction to make ongoing active attempts to stay sober. When you achieve maintenance, apathy or the belief that your effort is done is typically a one-way trip to relapse. (source: Cochrane, 2020)

Aftercare allows us to stay on course and put what we gained in recovery into practice. We suggest staying in some type of aftercare for at least 1 – 2 years after completing a rehabilitation program, whether that’s personal therapy, support networks, 12-step programs, or an intensive outpatient program.

The premium upscale luxury rehab offers a holistic whole-body approach to treating addiction problems. The 5-stage strategy is followed to the core to ensure a high level of outcomes. Traditional therapy methods including Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy are provided by skilled mental health professionals and psychotherapists. Apart from these conventional methods, complementary and alternative methods that include acupuncture, massage therapy and spa treatments, adventure and recreational therapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and tai chi treatments are also offered.

What are the 5 Stages of Mental Health Recovery? (source: NICE, 2011)

The upscale high-end luxury rehab for addiction provides luxurious settings similar to that of a premium 5-star resort. The premium luxury inpatient and residential centers are designed for top executives and CEOs, high-ranked officials, celebs, athletes, and artists with upscale amenities including resort-like private bedrooms or suites with hot tubs, Jacuzzi baths, and accessibility to a sauna and swimming pool, upscale fitness centers with dedicated personal trainers, nutritious chef-prepared meals, tennis courts and much more.

The basic benefit of going to these high-end luxury addiction treatment centers with premium services is the high and sustainable recovery rates due to their prompt and precise recovery and aftercare plans. The clients stay connected to their medical team long after their stay at the upscale rehab center to maintain sobriety and enhance or implement their coping strategies more effectively.

If you or a dear one is struggling with substance addiction, alcoholism, or behavioral addiction, contact us right away for premium personalized rehab programs.  

FAQs

Is My Loved One Ever Going To Be Cured?
You are in a constant ever-lasting stage of recovery and healing if you have an addiction problem and have ceased engaging in that activity. This indicates that you are aware of the following:
Even if you don’t use drugs or drink now, you would always be vulnerable to drugs and alcohol.
To continue in recovery, you’ll need to make major changes in your lifestyle.
Have been so profoundly impacted by your addiction that, even if you no longer drink or use drugs, it has left a strong effect on the way you see yourself and the environment around you 
What Triggers A Drug Addiction Relapse?
Various “triggers” can leave you in danger of relapse into past substance-abusing behaviors. While the exact causes of relapse vary from individual to person, the following are the common triggers:
The emotional state of depression (like sadness, stress, trauma, or anger)
A pleasurable emotional state (a sensation of happiness and a desire to feel even better, like having fun with family and friends)
Distress on the physical level (like symptoms of withdrawal or pain)
Trying to put your autonomy to the test (“I can only use it once” or “I can only take one pill”)
Burning urge or desire (craving to use)
Dispute (like an argument with your partner or spouse)
Social compulsion (being in a situation where it seems everyone else is using)

The Article

+

References

+

About This Article

+

Do you need help?

Related Topics

Treatment ProgramsHow Admission Works

Sister Topics

Addiction In Canada Addiction in Celebrities Addiction Rehab for Teens Addiction Stages Addiction Treatment Addictive Personality Adrenaline Junkie Aftercare in Addiction and Mental Health Rehab Alcoholism And Drugs In Saudi Arabia Athletes Addiction Treatment Beyond Wealth: Navigating Addiction and Finding Purpose   Celebrities and Addiction Rehab Chronic Pain And Addiction Drug and Alcohol Counseling Epigenetics And Addiction Flashing Lights: Celebrities’ Addictions in the Dark Luxury Addiction Recovery Center Luxury Addiction Treatment Nodding Off Problems in Halfway houses Rehab for Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Pregnant Women Substance Abuse Counselor Substance Abuse In College Students Substance Abuse Treatment Teen Addiction Treatment The Biology of Addiction What is a Dopamine Detox What is a halfway house? What is Addiction Why An Addict Can’t Love You