addiction affects the bio-psycho-social components of a person’s life. At this time, a person has physical health, psychological and social problems which affect the quality of his life. It should be noted that drug addiction is treatable.
Treatment stages:
● The preparatory stage, also known as the decision-making stage, is a time that requires immense courage and strength. It’s when a person bravely seeks treatment and embarks on recovery. This decision is not without its challenges, but it’s a step that must be taken willingly, without coercion. It’s a testament to the individual’s inner strength and resilience.
● • Detoxification, i.e. the stage of physical addiction removal- Detoxification is a difficult stage because, at this time, there is a strong need for the substance that a person is addicted to. It’s important to note that physical addiction refers to the body’s dependence on a substance, while psychological addiction is the mental and emotional reliance on the substance. Both types of addiction need to be addressed in the recovery process. Physical addiction is the body’s adaptation to a drug, while psychological addiction is the compulsion to use a drug despite negative consequences.
● • Psycho-social rehabilitation stage- The phase of psychological addiction removal begins with the detoxification phase but continues even after detoxification. At this stage, it is essential to get rid of psychological addiction. Recovery and discovery of new skills, such as coping mechanisms (e.g., mindfulness, deep breathing), stress management techniques (e.g., exercise, meditation), and improvement of social ties through support groups, family therapy, etc., are also taking place. This stage is a crucial part of the comprehensive recovery process.
There are necessary stages to go through to recover. These stages are:
● Stage 1: Precontemplation- In the pre-contemplation stage, people do not think seriously about changing and are not interested in any help. In the early stages, people view the addictive substances in their daily lives as a tool to make them happy and enjoy life more, rather than seeing the significant changes they’ve endured since becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.
● Stage 2: Contemplation- During contemplation, a person may consider changing their addictive behaviour. It’s a time when they might be grappling with the negative aspects of their habit and the potential benefits of change. It’s important to remember that support is both available and crucial. The long-term benefits of recovery far outweigh the short-term challenges, and you’re not alone in this journey. A caring and supportive community surrounds you, ready to provide the help and reassurance you need.
● Stage 3: Preparation- People have committed to change in the preparation/determination stage. This is a research phase. They gather information about what they must do to change their behaviour.
● Stage 4: Action/Willpower- This stage is where people are motivated to change their behaviour and actively take steps to change their bad behaviour using various techniques.
● Stage 5: Maintenance- The maintenance stage is a testament to the individual’s strength and commitment to recovery. It’s a time when they actively work to avoid temptations that might lead them back to their old habits. It’s important to remember that recovery is not a one-time but an ongoing process. It requires continuous commitment and the acquisition of new skills, but it’s a journey worth taking for a healthy, addiction-free life. This stage prepares you for the long-term commitment required for a successful recovery.