5 Stages of Grief in Addiction

Denial

Refusal to accept the existence of a problem.

Denial (Addiction)

Addict or loved one denies severity of addiction.

Anger

Emotional response directed at self or others.

Bargaining

Attempts to regain control over addiction issues.

Depression

Sadness from realizing bargaining cannot change reality.

Acceptance

Final stage where reality and emotional balance are embraced.

Withdrawal Stage

Physical and emotional symptoms from absence of substance.

Emotional Balance

State of stability after accepting addiction's reality.

Sobriety Goals

Focus on achieving and maintaining a drug-free life.

Last-Ditch Effort

Final attempts to control addiction before acceptance.

Self-Negotiation

Trying to mitigate addiction symptoms without resolution.

Reality Acknowledgment

Recognizing the truth about addiction and its impact.

Substance Use

Engagement with drugs or alcohol impacting life.

Addiction Severity

Degree to which substance use affects daily functioning.

Grief Process

Emotional stages experienced during loss or change.

Emotional Response

Feelings triggered by addiction and its consequences.

Change Acceptance

Willingness to adapt to new circumstances post-addiction.