The Stages of Treatment
A person with dependence upon alcohol or any other form of substance abuse requires a treatment program that covers all the aspects of addiction treatment, be it the physical dependence or the emotional overhead that comes along with it. An addiction treatment center, in regards to this requirement, stands as the most feasible option for the addict. The chances of relapse are likely which is why most of the treatment centers follow a standard protocol of procedures, which are able to maintain a check on the recovery of the patients. Sobriety, once achieved requires the need of constant guidance and counseling, in order to help the addicts continue with their success.
An addiction treatment center holds the key to recovery with its set of treatment approach, thereby enabling the person to eliminate the brunt of addiction. The treatment procedure follows a certain code of steps, which ensure a better rate of success. Mostly, there are five progressive phases, which are to be applied to overcome addiction.
The first phase of the treatment phase is known as the Precontemplation stage. The individual cannot contemplate any immediate changes in their addiction treatment in this stage. Although, this stage is of great importance because it is very likely that at this stage an addict undergoes constant denial about admitting their problem. Because of the constant denial in admitting their addiction, it becomes essential for the treatment center to intervene with great care to encounter the person with their respective addiction.
The next stage in the addiction treatment includes the Contemplation stage. This stage deals with the initial stages of creating awareness among the addicts about their addiction as well as the changes that are essential for altering the physical as well as the psychological differences in the person. Although, the stage does not being with any treatment actions as yet, it is important for giving the person an overall apprehension about their current health and psychological condition.
After the contemplation stage, the preparation stage makes sure that the person begins with the treatment procedure. An addiction treatment center will make sure that the addict gets enough knowledge about the different treatment procedures as well as the approaches that may be beneficial to them. This stage allows the addict to prepare themselves for any of the changes that come because of the drug or alcohol addiction treatment. This stage is highly important for understanding the recovery as well as the withdrawal problems that may come because of the altered biochemistry.
The action stage is recommended when the person completely understands the consequences of their addiction as along with the treatment options at the treatment center. This stage is critical because of this stage witnesses the behavioral changes in the addict such as that of reduced consumption of alcohol or any other substance of abuse and in some cases, stoppage of the intake may be seen.
The last stage and probably the most important one is the maintenance stage. This stage needs to be continued in order to maintain the sobriety in a person. The inception of this stage begins with that of the Action stage and continues thereafter to keep the recovering person sober. Relapse prevention programs are the most important treatment options at this stage to keep the person on track with recovery.