The Timeline for Recovery: A Visual Reference

For a person going in blind, recovery from substance use disorder might look like a daunting, unclimbable mountain. While recovery isn’t an easy journey, it is achievable. By having a clear timeline for addiction recovery, a person can be prepared for the road ahead. 

Dr. Steven Melemis, an expert on addiction, has laid out the process of recovery into. Answering the question of how long does recovery take, he notes that there are three general stages.

The Three Stages of Alcohol Recovery

Recovery from alcohol generally follows three stages:

• Abstinence, during which a person experiences withdrawal
• Repair
• Growth

Stage 1- Abstinence 

Beginning immediately after a person stops drinking, the abstinence stage usually lasts for 1-2 years. While in the abstinence stage, a person will focus their energy on resisting and coping with cravings. In order to successfully get through it, they must engage in self-care. 

Self-care can take the form of tending to one’s physical needs, such as sleep, hygiene, and a healthy diet. However, it is also important for a person to see to their emotional needs. They can do this by making time for themselves, being kind to themselves, and giving themselves permission to have fun.

By developing healthy self-care habits, they can lower their chance of using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. As well, a person in abstinence must not only accept that they have an addiction, but also welcome self-honesty and reflection.

During the abstinence stage, a person in recovery takes actions to recover, like letting go of friends with problematic drinking habits, joining self-help groups, and developing healthy alternatives to using. The goal is to view oneself as a non-user.

Individuals in recovery are often eager to make big life decisions during this stage, but it’s recommended to wait. Their focus should instead be overcoming roadblocks like physical cravings, neglecting self-care, wanting to use ‘one last time,’ and struggling to come to terms with addiction. 

Withdrawal

The term withdrawal actually has two meanings. When someone first stops using, they undergo a period of detoxification in which they experience physical symptoms based on their dependence on a drug.

However, withdrawal can also refer to post-acute withdrawal, a period of up to two years during the abstinence stage when a person in recovery experiences psychological and emotional symptoms. These can include changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, varying energy, little enthusiasm, disrupted concentration, and disrupted sleep.

As the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal ebb and flow, it’s important for a person not to feel defeated. They may experience no symptoms for 1 to 2 weeks, only for them to return, raising the risk of relapse. 

Stage 2- Repair

The repair stage lasts 2-3 years and involves a person healing the damage of substance use. That means taking the time to go to therapy, participating in self-help groups, and developing a healthy lifestyle. Because one of the most common causes of relapse is neglecting self-care, it is also important to continue practicing it.

During the repair stage, a person can feel temporarily worse. For example, they may believe that they can no longer experience joy and confidence or have healthy relationships. But it is during this time that a person in recovery will heal. They will mend their relationships, distance their identity from substance use, and overcome the guilt and negative self-labeling that addiction can bring.

Stage 3- Growth

The growth stage begins 3-5 years after a person stops drinking and lasts for life. It is during this time that they will move forward. In fact, the tasks at this stage are similar to ones used in everyday life.

A person in the growth stage will learn to identify and repair negative thought patterns, break self-destructive cycles, and understand the origins of their habits. They will also learn to set healthy boundaries and ultimately develop and maintain the healthy life skills that will stay with them for their entire lives.

Keep Track of Your Recovery With SoberMind Recovery

While the process of recovery isn’t instant, it isn’t unknowable either. By familiarizing themselves with the steps, a person can take initiative in their recovery journey. Over time, they will commit to abstinence, heal, and develop the coping mechanisms necessary for a healthy life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, there is no shame in asking for help. Located in Los Angeles, SoberMind Recovery offers both dual diagnosis treatment and lgbtq sober living. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive addiction treatment and see if SoberMind Recovery is right for you.