|
"Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow."
 What is Recovery?Recovery occurs as a person begins to make better choices about his or her physical, mental, and spiritual health. There are four phases of recovery: transition/stabilization, early, middle, and late recovery or maintenance. The transition/stabilization phase usually occurs within the first 90 days of recovery, as a person realizes his or her coping mechanisms are no longer helpful and begins the recovery process. The early recovery phase generally occurs between 90 days and 1 year, when a person begins to integrate the initial changes in thinking, feeling, and action into his or her life. During these first two phases, a person may attend self-help meetings, work with a counselor or therapist, participate in recovery group therapy, and/or connect with recovery-supportive friends. The mid-recovery phase occurs from approximately 1 to 3 years, when the person in recovery addresses past issues while establishing a balanced and stable life. A person in this phase of recovery is well connected with a recovery-supportive social network, and generally needs to be involved in individual and/or group counseling with a qualified therapist to address past issues. The final phase, late recovery or maintenance, occurs after about 3 years of recovery, and it is at this point the process of recovery has become a way of life. A person has accomplished major changes on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels, and he or she can now focus on personal interests and ambitions. At this phase of recovery, a person generally seeks to reach out and help others on their journey of recovery. Provided by OASAS-NY State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Recovery Links:Alcoholics Anonymous: Narcotics Anonymous: Al-Anon / Alateen: Families Anonymous: Join Together SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center |