The 4 phases of the process of recovery from substance addictions

In the process of recovery from addictions to substances, important changes occur both at the cerebral and psychological level. Regarding the first, neurochemical changes occur at the level of the central nervous system, these changes are translated into a biological readjustment that in turn will imply changes that will be manifested through signs and symptoms of a physical and psychological nature. It is important to apply an early recovery therapy, in which the patient and his or her family or direct environment are explained, what they are and what each of the four phases they will face throughout their recovery process consists of. These phases are the following:rnThe first phase of recovery is that of withdrawal or withdrawal syndrome, begins with the first withdrawal of the substance or substances, lasts between 1 and 2 weeks. The abstinence syndrome is undoubtedly the protagonist of this stage, this implies for the patient the physical detoxification of the substance which usually leads to intense desires to consume, depression, anxiety, low energy, irritability, insomnia, paranoia, memory ... and a long etcetera. All these signs and symptoms obey, as we have mentioned, the cerebral neurochemical readjustment. It is necessary that both the person and his family understand that these emotional states are due and that they will end up remitting. The second phase of recovery is that of early abstinence or honeymoon, this phase is usually characterized by the presence in the patient of a state of well-being and even euphoria when they feel or think that their problems with the substance / s are practically resolved. It lasts from 4 to 6 weeks and is characterized by the increase in energy of the patient, increased optimism, mild paranoia ... these sensations can lead the person to have an excess of confidence that can cause problems since the patient may think that it is not It is necessary to prolong the treatment, they can increase their exposure especially to triggers of an external type, consume another type of substance different from the one that caused the addiction ... For all this it is very important that patients know about the existence of this phase and what are its main characteristics so you can know the risks and how to deal with them using all the strategies you have up to now (structured calendar, knowledge of your triggers, maintain your assistance to the group, make physical exercise for the release of endorphins, stop thinking ...). Again, it is crucial that the patient's relatives know the characteristics of this stage. The third phase Recovery is prolonged abstinence or phase of the wall. It is undoubtedly one of the most feared by patients as it is or is experienced as a setback because the energy level drops, emotionally the person feels apathetic, sad and in some cases states of anhedonia are manifested. It can last between 3 and 4 months; the person can face almost continuous changes in their lifestyle, feelings of sadness and anger, loneliness, family conflicts, their sexual life can be affected, consumer desires can reappear ... All this can lead the person to believe that never he will recover, thus increasing his despair in the face of the situation and the chances of relapse that usually justify through his state of mind. The fourth and final phase is the adaptation and resolution, lasts between 4 and 6 months, the person has already overcome the symptoms of physical withdrawal, improving almost all its effects, but this does not mean that the recovery process is over. In this phase the patient feels that having overcome the phase of the wall, his life can return to normal, this being a false belief. The main objective of this phase is to maintain the lifestyle that has been implanted little by little throughout each stage of the recovery and accepting that this stage or process is for life. Because in this phase the emotional stability is increased, the process of decision making and emotional state of the patient are clearly improved. This fact can lead you to be interested in doing activities that you like and incorporate them into your new lifestyle. It is very important that the person through their different supports (family, friends ...) and from himself, develop and maintain a balanced lifestyle. If you have any type of addiction, or a family member or friend of yours is addicted, you can request an appointment through Los Angeles sober living.