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Recovery Hierarchy Of Needs

group learns about the recovery hierarchy of needs

The motivational theory from Abraham Maslow known as the Hierarchy of Needs states that basic needs must be met before you can get other, more complex needs met. The needs are often put in the shape of a pyramid with basic needs on the bottom and self-actualization at the top. There are five levels in Maslow’s pyramid;  physiological, safety, loving/belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. To take this concept a step farther, there are recovery needs that can be implemented in a pyramid style, too. Continue reading to learn more.  

Terence Gorski’s Recovery Hierarchy of Needs

Gorski is a substance use disorder recovery expert who created the Recovery Hierarchy of Needs. If this seems a bit complicated, think of it in terms of the length of your recovery. If you haven’t been sober for a day, you can’t be sober for a week. If you haven’t been sober for a week, you can’t be sober for a month. Each milestone is bigger than the last, but it all starts with going day by day. Below is Gorski’s Recovery Hierarchy of Needs, starting with the base.   

  1. Transition

This is where you must have the motivation to get sober. You must want to stop using to start your journey in recovery. This stage is difficult for many people because you transition from using to not using, causing withdrawal symptoms, but they don’t last forever. Keep moving forward!  

  1. Stabilization

Once you have completed the transition stage, you are able to move into the stabilization stage. The stabilization stage is where you will work on your physical and mental health. You must make this a top priority when in this stage.   

  1. Early Recovery

Once stable, you are able to move onto the next stage of early recovery. Here, you will work toward changing your habits to keep you sober. This can be done by changing your thoughts and behaviors.  

  1. Middle Recovery

Once you have been able to change your thoughts and behaviors, you are in middle recovery. This is where you work on making better choices that benefit your physical and mental health.   

  1. Late Recovery

Late recovery is when you take a deep dive into why you began to use in the first place. You must face your trauma in this stage and find out what led you to your addiction.  

  1. Maintenance

This stage never ends. You must practice each and every step here to keep the maintenance going. This stage takes a lot of work, but being sober is worth it.   

Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help keep you on the road to recovery. Call us today at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to hear from you and help change your life today. Call now. You won’t be disappointed.