When you’re struggling with the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction, life can become pretty tough. You want to get free from such, but it’s been harder than you think. Still, millions of men and women have gotten sober and clean through recovery and a good bit of hard work.

So can you.

Getting into recovery can be a lifesaver! The first thing you must do is recognize that you have a problem and then reach out for help. When you do this, you can begin the recovery journey.

There are three stages of recovery that you’ll encounter on your journey:

• The Withdrawal Stage
• The Happy Stage
• The Recovery Stage

Stage 1: The Withdrawal Stage
The very first stage will entail you going through some sort of withdrawal. It is a good idea to attend a detox center if you’ve been using hard drugs or drinking a lot of alcohol, as the withdrawal symptoms can be intense. Of course, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms will largely depend on how often you used and the amount. At a detox center, you’ll be able to be monitored and receive counseling during the detox phase, which can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days normally. During detox you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, irritability, nausea, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and body ached. Take heart though; these symptoms shall pass.

Stage 2: The Happiness Stage
Many in recovery hit the happiness stage once detox has been completed. When the toxic chemicals are out of your body, you just feel better and more hopeful about life. You are happy that you are no longer drinking or drugging and life takes on a new meaning. Sure, some anxiety may arise during this stage, but that’s normal. This stage can last for a while and leads you right into the third stage.

Stage 3: The Recovery Stage
In the recovery stage you’ll be actively working on improving your life while staying clean. This is the stage you’ll be in from here on out. During this stage you ought to be as active as you can in your recovery plan, whether that includes a 12 Step program, spiritual program, counseling, etc. Here you will take one at a time and continue experiencing the serenity that the support groups talk about.

One thing is for sure: recovery is a life saver! Join the millions of men and women around the world who have taken control of their lives and are walking the road of recovery. You can get free and you certainly can experience peace and joy.