What are the stages of recovery?

What are the stages of recovery depends on context, but commonly refers to recovery from addiction, mental illness, injury, or trauma, and each has recognized stages. In addiction recovery, a widely used model describes six stages: pre-contemplation where person does not recognize problem, contemplation where they consider change, preparation where they plan to take action, action where they actively stop substance use and seek treatment, maintenance where they sustain sobriety and develop coping skills, and termination or transcendence where recovery is stable. In mental health recovery, SAMHSA describes ten guiding principles but also four stages: hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and meaningful life. In physical injury recovery, stages are inflammation, proliferation or repair, and remodeling or maturation. In trauma recovery, psychiatrist Judith Herman describes three stages: safety and stabilization, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection. In 12-step programs, stages often include acknowledgment, surrender, and growth. Generally, recovery is not linear and includes setbacks, requiring support, coping strategies, and lifestyle changes. Stages help understand progress and set realistic expectations for long term healing.