The drug and alcohol recovery process usually includes 6 steps:

Step 1: Decide to Make a Change

Realize that you have a problem with alcohol or drugs and that you need to make a change

Step 2: Explore Your Treatment Options

Figure out what kind of rehab program is right for you: inpatient, outpatient or 12-Step.

Step 3: Find Support

Finding support is the third step of the recovery process.You should talk to your friends and family members about your choice to enroll in a treatment program and ask them to support you.

Step 4: Make Sobriety Last

Maintain your sobriety by controlling triggers and cravings and participating in an aftercare program.

Step 5: Build a Meaningful Life Without Drugs

Start to build a new life by finding new hobbies, volunteering and setting life goals.

Step 6: Never Lose Hope

Don’t get discouraged if you relapse and make a plan to get your recovery back on track.

1. Self-Motivation:

The times when self-motivation works are when the addict has discovered that there is something more precious than the addiction. It might be a child, a job, life itself, or a personal value such as dignity. None of these works for everyone, but hitting “rock bottom” usually means coming to the point where, beyond any doubt, there is a black and white choice between the addiction and something of ultimate personal importance.

2. Leverage:

This is the workhorse of external motivation. It is where circumstances create similar choices to hitting rock bottom. Perhaps it is a boss or employee assistance counselor making it clear that there is a choice between getting help and being “let go.” Or it might be a family who have finished trying to force help on someone who is not motivated and are ready to let the addicted person go out on his or her own.

3. Seduction:

When self-motivation fails and you have no usable leverage, all you can do is tell the truth and be willing to let go. I picture it like this: In the 1890s, going for an afternoon promenade, a lady might accidentally drop her handkerchief. The man might notice and pick it up. Bringing it back to its owner, a conversation might ensue. Of course if the lady turns to watch, the whole effect is spoiled.

That is seduction. Drop a piece of information, but don’t wait to see what will happen. “It looks to me like you can’t stop, and things will only get worse until you chose to get help. If you change you mind, let me know.” Your aloofness shows that you are not going to pursue the addict or wait for a response. You care, but you are following Al-anon’s principle of “detach with love.”