Tommy Recovery Coaching

The 5 Stages of Change in Recovery from Addiction

Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, was recently voted by the National Football League Players Association as the most appreciated and relatable coach. The 40-year-old McDaniel has been with the Dolphins since 2022. He was previously a secondary coach with the Houston Texans, but he got sacked because of recalcitrant alcoholism. 

After spending more than two years in recovery, McDaniel returned to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons, but he suffered a severe relapse in 2016. After missing Super Bowl LI, McDaniel went back into recovery mode, but this time he had a sobriety coach by his side. These days, McDaniel lives by the personal motto “adversity is another word for opportunity,” a principle his sober living coach instilled during the maintenance stage of addiction recovery. Let’s go over the five stages McDaniel went through after relapse.

1. Pre-Contemplation

When McDaniel relapsed during his time with the Falcons, he felt he wasn’t ready for a life of sobriety because he had cheated himself and let his family down. He was disappointed and hesitant to get back on the wagon. For other addicts, this stage is characterized by denial and even indifference.

2. Contemplation

This is the “moment of clarity” often discussed at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Contemplation is a rational stage of accepting substance abuse has turned pathological and that something must be done. This is also when most addicts begin gathering information about treatment options. The most important aspect of this stage is the realization that recovery can bring about many life advantages as well as tangible benefits.

3. Preparation

Of the five stages, this one presents the most variance among patients. Coach McDaniel realized he could have done better the first time, so he resolved to retain the services of a sober living coach, such as those who specialize in recovery in Carlsbad, CA, for his second round of recovery. Patients know something must be done during this stage. They may even start treating themselves by tapping online resources where they can learn more about their conditions. During this stage, it’s important to develop a rational sense of urgency.

4. Action

By the time patients in recovery reach this stage, most will be unaware of how much they’ve changed since pre-contemplation. For McDaniel, revisiting this stage was emotionally painful because he was coming back from a relapse episode. For most other patients, however, the action stage is memorable and uplifting because it often marks what feels like the first concrete step toward recovery. This is also the stage when patients learn the most.

5. Maintenance

The main objective of this stage is to prevent relapse. Recovery counselors assume manageable lapses will occur during this stage. Severe relapse episodes such as the one that affected McDaniel suggest addictive behaviors may not have disappeared entirely. Keeping them away requires sticking to lifestyle changes learned during the action stage, which may include thought processes, sleep hygiene, proper nutrition, physical activity, counseling, and other healthy habits. 

Mike McDaniel’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the resilience required to navigate through the stages of change in addiction recovery. If someone you know is facing similar challenges, consider reaching out for professional support from an interventionist. Carlsbad addicts who receive this guidance often find it’s a crucial element in beginning a successful and sustained recovery journey.

Carlsbad residents can trust the expertise and experience of the compassionate team at Sober Lifestyle Coaching. We know precisely what it takes to get sober, stay sober, and live the healthy lifestyle you deserve. We specialize in working with clients with active addictions as well as clients already in recovery. Our sober coaches provide encouragement, accountability, insight, and understanding through our own recovery experiences. To learn more about how we can help you or someone you love, call us today.