Long-Term Recovery: The Ultimate Goal
Recovering from addiction can be a lifelong process. The ultimate goal is to have a long-term recovery that can span the remainder of your life rather than a short-term recovery that may only last days, months or a few years.
Why is long-term recovery the goal, though? Many people aim for long-term recovery because if you can learn and continue to abstain from drugs or alcohol, then you will be able to live a life of sobriety.
Let’s explore the stages of recovery, identify the transition from short-term to long-term recovery, and list the methods or programs used to help get to recovery.
Stages of Recovery
Did you know that there are six stages to the recovery process? Researchers Carlo DiClemente and James Prochaska identified the following six stages:
- Pre-Contemplation: The person does not see that there is a problem and will not listen to advice.
- Contemplation: The person realizes that there is a problem but is unsure or not ready to commit to recovery.
- Preparation: The person is ready to start talking to people for help.
- Action: The person takes action and enrolls in a treatment program.
- Maintenance or Relapse: The person is adjusting to their new lifestyle, but there remains a risk of a relapse.
- Termination: The person no longer has the desire to use the substance.
Each stage is a part of the road to recovery, but termination is the ultimate goal.
Short-Term Recovery
Day 1 is the first step in the short-term recovery process, and for most people, it is the hardest day.
During this first step to recovery, the person may display withdrawal symptoms as their body goes through detoxification to expel the substance that has been used. Withdrawal symptoms could include nausea, sweating, or insomnia, among other possible symptoms.
From day 1 to the end of year 1 is considered the short-term recovery period and the early stage of long-term recovery. Within the first month, the withdrawal process itself should be complete and symptoms should have subsided.
During this short-term recovery phase, the individual will decide which recovery programs to be involved with. The person could choose to be in a treatment program, remove themselves from individuals that negatively influence their life, attend therapy or support groups, or move into a live-in facility.
This first year of the recovery process will set the foundation for the ultimate goal of long-term recovery.
Long-Term Recovery
We want every person to achieve long-term recovery. After the first year of the recovery process, we can start transitioning from a short-term recovery plan to a long-term recovery plan. The more time focused on treatment and getting necessary help, the better the chance of a positive outcome.
One of the biggest influencers on long-term recovery is the person themself. If they continue to be motivated, engage in their programs, establish long-term recovery goals, and stick to their long-term recovery plan, they will be able to reach a point of sobriety.
Even when getting to the point of long-term recovery, we still encourage people to continue recovery programs such as engaging in positive peer relationships, being active, or finding ways to express creativity.
Taking part in these ongoing recovery programs can build internal strength and positive external relationships that lead to an ongoing healthier lifestyle!
How Our Intervention Services Can Help
If you are looking for a sober coach that can be there for you and guide you to long-term recovery, then you can rely on My Interventionist to help. My Interventionist will be right there with you to design, plan, and implement a long-term recovery plan to encourage you make the changes needed and restore hope.
My Interventionist is based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but we offer nationwide intervention services. We are always here to help you or a loved one wherever you may be located!
We can start helping now. If you are ready to start breaking free today, contact us or use our 24/7 phone line (833) 700-7759 to call or text.