Medically Reviewed By Eva Shepard, MLADC, LCMHC
Millions of adults throughout the United States struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Unfortunately, many people struggling with AUD feel isolated or rejected due to social stigma. Moreover, there are many false beliefs held about alcohol addiction. One of the most important things people can hear is that they are not alone and that there is help available. AUD is not a lifestyle choice but is a common medical condition. There are treatment options available, including evidence-based treatment. In this guide, we will cover the various stages of alcohol use disorder treatment. For resources and treatment options in New Hampshire, the team at Mountain View Retreat is here for you. We provide programming at our facility in Marlborough, New Hampshire, and can also act as a resource for individuals and families looking for detox and other treatment options. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team if you have questions or would like to learn more.
The Precontemplation Stage for Addiction Treatment
The transtheoretical model was created in 1983 (and updated in 1992) and has been used in clinical settings to discuss common stages of substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment plans. While the stages aren’t the same for every individual and are not always linear, they can be a resource for individuals and their families. The first stage is “precontemplation” and is often something that many people do not consider. Precontemplation refers to a time period where an individual isn’t yet ready to consider addiction treatment programs. It is often marked by denial and defensiveness, which can be very common with AUD. Because alcohol is not a controlled substance, it is very common for people to find ways to deny that they have a problem or justify their actions. On the flip side, precontemplation can also be a time of hopelessness, where individuals feel that they cannot overcome their addiction. This stage can be a very difficult time for loved ones who are trying to support someone, since people are often not responsive to help. Building trust and planting the seed that there are treatment options is essential to help someone move into the second stage.
The Contemplation Stage
The second phase is where individuals are considering making change in their near future. Individuals in this stage are openly aware of the benefits of treatment and the ways that getting that treatment could help them. This stage is critical because it is when someone is most open to considering getting help and starting treatment. It is essential for loved ones to be supportive and to have the resources needed to help people when they are ready to make that decision. People can still hold themselves back in this situation, and concerns about the unknowns can make it difficult to take that next step.
The Preparation Stage
The next stage is where people are actively looking for resources and options. They may have called a facility or spoken with people in addiction treatment. During the preparation stage, an individual is motivated but still in a very vulnerable state. Pressure from their loved ones can either help them or hurt them, which is why loved ones need to be supportive and frame their concerns as encouraging.
The Action Stage of Addiction Recovery
The action stage is marked by people making significant changes to their lives to support change. This can include beginning medical detox or another treatment plan. Individuals often undergo prolonged periods of abstinence and work with professionals to build the tools they need to maintain sobriety long-term. During this phase, people need resources, support, and structure to help them stay on the right path and avoid relapse triggers like stress and loneliness.
The Maintenance Stage
Following the action phase, individuals work to maintain their recovery long-term. This involves using the tools they have learned through addiction treatment and relying on support groups. One of the largest challenges of the maintenance stage is complacency. As months and years pass, it can be easy to feel that you no longer need to be involved with support systems, but this can increase the risk of relapse. Ongoing community connection is vital to long-term recovery.
Get Help with the Recovery Journey with Mountain View Retreat
Here at Mountain View Retreat, we help people no matter where they are in their recovery journey. We like to act as a resource for people who have questions about addiction treatment or about talking to a loved one. We provide addiction treatment programming in a variety of formats that are designed to work with different groups of people. Finally, we help people build the tools they need to maintain sobriety and stay connected to support. For more information, please contact our team.