8 Stages of Sobriety in Alcohol Addiction

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Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.

What is Alcoholism?

According to the National Institutes for Health, about 14 million adult Americans in the United States battle with AUD. Alcoholism is a physical and mental dependence on alcohol that also affects day-to-day functioning and is characterized by a strong desire to drink and a loss of control. Drinking to counteract withdrawal symptoms like shakes and nausea can indicate advanced alcohol use disorder (AUD). Read on to learn about the stages of sobriety.

Stages of Sobriety

Max Glatt developed a hypothesis regarding alcohol abuse recovery. Because recovery is rarely a straight line, Glatt’s recovery theory is sometimes depicted as a curve, with the upward slope denoting progress toward recovery and the downward slope denoting the degeneration into alcoholism. Many people battle relapse and repeatedly go through earlier stages. Some supporting data has surfaced since its publication in 1958, but Glatt’s paradigm is typically used to define the Alcoholics Anonymous spiritual growth component (AA).

This is how the curve will typically look:

Stage 1

The addict reaches their lowest point, feeling completely helpless and searching for an escape.

Stage 2

The addict genuinely wants to get help and reaches out.

Stage 3

The addict thinks it is possible to move forward without alcohol and that there must be another way. The alcoholic gives up drinking and evaluates their needs, including their spiritual convictions.

Stage 4

Any disease or tremors an alcoholic experiences when consuming are treated and assisted.

Stage 5

The recovering individual feels hope, has clearer thinking, has more stability in their life and relationship, and even builds new friendships.

Stage 6

The addict gains more control over their drinking as time goes on. Their emotions swing less, and their behavior improves.

Stage 7

The user develops a set of new interests and a better sense of fulfillment within society.

Stage 8

The addict continues therapies of all kinds, learning new tools and ways of being. As a result, their life improves in all areas.

Before Recovery

Before someone goes into recovery, they are often at one of the five stages of alcoholism. These are as follows:

Pre-Alcoholic: A person starts drinking to unwind or relieve negative emotions in the pre-alcoholic stage. At this point, tolerance may start to rise.

Early Alcoholic: Alcohol can impact a person’s relationships, employment, and daily life in the early stages of addiction. These interruptions may result in feelings of guilt and humiliation, which may encourage drinking more.

Middle Alcoholic: Drinking becomes more regular at this stage, and people may attempt to cover up or justify their drinking. They might also make an effort to stop, only to restart.

Late Alcoholic: The person can no longer regulate their drinking. Additionally, they could show outward signs of ongoing alcohol consumption.

Sanctuary Recovery Foundation

Deciding to recover from addiction is the first step to a better life. Contact us to discover the benefits of living with others who will hold you accountable to pursue healthy relationships and remain sober.

 

Codependency and Addiction the 7 Signs

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Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.

What is Codependency?

When one partner has intense emotional or physical demands, and the other partner spends most of their time meeting those needs, the relationship can become co-dependent. Frequently this will happen to the disadvantage of the co-dependent partner’s life, activities, and other relationships, and codependency results. You see codependency often with addiction.

Codependency can lead to a tough spiral in which the codependent partner takes care of and facilitates the loved one’s difficulties. Thereby making it easier for the loved one to perpetuate the difficult or harmful behaviors.

Top 7 Signs of Codependency and Addiction

Having Trouble Expressing Emotions

Those who are not very good at identifying their own emotions in a relationship vs. the other person. Or those who are unable to communicate how they feel in general are at risk for codependency.

They Are Often Caretakers

The individual’s primary need is to take care of others, frequently at the expense of taking care of themselves.

A Lack of Boundaries

The codependent individual might not understand the importance of setting boundaries for themselves or others. To feel secure, these people could give unsolicited advice, feel responsible for other people’s emotions, or try to manipulate or control others.

They May Have Low Self-Esteem

Outside of the relationship, the codependent person could feel unlovable and depend on the approval of others to experience a sense of personal, positive self-worth.

Are People Pleasers

For the codependent person, other people’s perspectives carry a lot of weight. This person will go to great lengths to maintain their good reputation with the other person regardless of how they are treated. The individual could experience overwhelming remorse or struggle to say “no” to others.

Defines Worth By Their Relationship

Because the codependent person believes that connections define them, they may have an obsessional focus on the person they are attached to. In reality, this relationship may not serve all of their emotional needs or have much intimacy.

Those Who Have Depression or Are Withdrawn

Depression can cause various issues, including warped thinking. A depressed person may withdraw and cut off other relationships that could help them learn what a healthy relationship looks like. It can also go hand-in-hand with a negative self-image.

What Does Codependancy Look Like?

Codependency is frequently observed in individuals who are in intimate relationships with addicts. This could be a spouse or family member, or even a friend.

It can show up in a variety of ways:

  • Couples that use drugs concurrently
  • Those who are close to adult family or significant others of drug users
  • Children whose parents use drugs or are drug addicts

The co-dependant person might take drastic measures to keep the connection going based in fear; of being left behind, rejection, and of being alone. Desperate attempts to win the partner’s favor result from this need for acceptance and approval.

In many cases, the codependent resents the addict for being in that state but worries that if they get better, they will lose the addict or their position as their carer. Enabling is a common offense committed by codependents to support their partner and the union.

Sanctuary Recovery Foundation

Codependency and addiction need a supportive foundation from outside influence to facilitate change. Contact us to discover the benefits of living with others who will hold you accountable to pursue healthy relationships and remain sober.

How an Alcohol Intervention Coach Can Help

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Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.

What Is Recovery/Intervention Coaching?

Individuals in recovery from substance abuse or co-occurring mental health illnesses are known as peer recovery support specialists. A National Peer Support Recovery Specialist coach assists you in constructing tools, for recovery or intervention, from the ground up using tried-and-true success techniques customized for your circumstance.

The coaches’ recovery and life experiences enable them to offer recovery support based on their personal experiences. Our coaches have received the National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist Credential, which is experientially based and aims to standardize the knowledge and competence of peer support providers. For help on your road to recovery by utilizing a National Peer Support Recovery Coach Specialist, contact us today.

What is a Peer Support Specialist?

Peer support workers are those who have recovered successfully and assist others in similar circumstances. Peer support specialists help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and lower the risk of relapse via mutual respect, understanding, and empowerment. For those looking for a successful, long-lasting recovery process, peer support services are a great choice.

Peer Support Role

Peer support professionals take part in a variety of activities. These consist of:

  • Establishing healing connections
  • Goal-setting and mentoring
  • Advocating for those who are recovering
  • Sharing resources and developing talents

The following roles may also fall under peer support:

  • Constructing resources
  • Managing programs or organizations
  • Delivering assistance and/or instruction to supervising peer employees
  • Educating citizens and decision-makers

How are Sober Coaches Different From a Sponsor?

No matter which program or recovery track you choose to take, sober coaches are skilled experts who specialize in assisting you in improving your relationship with drugs or alcohol. They are trained specifically to help those with addiction struggles. AA sponsors, on the other hand, are volunteers who have successfully recovered from addiction and are members of your 12-Step Recovery Group.

Sponsors advise the sponsee on how to maintain sobriety using the 12-Step concept. But your widest options for support systems and routes are found in a coach. Recovery coaches can also respect your changing preferences and requirements as you progress through the healing process.

Is Recovery Coaching Right For You?

If your goal is to reduce your consumption, keep your abstinence, or seek out official treatment, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist can help you.

This partnership is based on open communication and honest exploration, and it is advantageous to everyone at every stage, but especially if:

  • You want to cut back or take a vacation from drinking.
  • You want to include a coach in the addiction counseling you’re receiving.
  • You’ve previously used addiction counselors, but you’d want to try coaching.
  • After a slip or relapse, you want to get back on track.
  • You wish to look at 12-step and AA alternatives.
  • Despite numerous attempts, you are unable to maintain sobriety.

Sanctuary Recovery Foundation

Our caring professionals can help you overcome your addiction and take the necessary steps toward sobriety. In addition, we offer a safe, clean, and supportive living environment that encourages our residents to participate in activities that foster confidence and success.

Contact us for more information on the Sanctuary Recovery Foundation located in Charleston, SC.

The H.A.L.T Method

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Check-ins are crucial for increasing your self-care and self-awareness if you’re in recovery or in the beginning stages of sobriety. HALT is a method created by David Streem, MD, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist. This method is great for achieving personal accountability and is frequently utilized in 12-step meetings and rehabilitation programs.

Read more