Scientists and counselors often used a life course paradigm to categorize the entire spectrum of recovery into five stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. However, within the action stage, when you enter into treatment, this part of recovery can also break down into four additional stages: withdrawal, honeymoon, the wall, and adjustment. 

Among these, the wall stage is probably the most challenging. It is likely to be the longest phase during detox treatment. Understanding what happens to your body and how you can pull through will help you better manage your expectations. Your trust in the ongoing help by medical professionals at the treatment center also depends on this knowledge. Let’s take a closer look at the wall stage and how this understanding benefits your recovery. 

What Happens During The Wall Stage?

When you endure detox and attain sobriety, you are likely to feel better than you have in a long time. Suddenly, the complications from detox disappear, your mood begins to lighten up, and you become hopeful for progress. However, this is known as the “pink cloud” of recovery – a honeymoon phase. Over time, your joy fades as your emotions begin to restore balance. Here, you might fear becoming isolated, depressed, or relapsing.

Additionally, it may feel like withdrawal symptoms are returning or that your progress is plateauing. It is here when you have entered the wall stage. During the wall stage, you might feel disheartened, frustrated, and hopeless. You wonder if all the efforts in the past month have ended in vain. “How far can I go?” “Am I still making progress?” You don’t know if you’ll ever rise above these feelings of doubt.

How Long Does It Last?

More often, the wall stage will generally last for around three to four months. However, it is essential to remember that your approach to treatment and therapy is not working out. Progress is not always visible, and it is a patient endeavor. It is essential that you keep up with treatment and therapy. It is in this stage when your emotions are becoming balanced. However difficult, this regulation of emotions is necessary and healthy to restore your entire range of emotions. 

Still, the danger of relapse during the wall stage is real. You can help alleviate your stress and doubt by managing your expectations. Reasonable expectations will help you focus on staying sober from a logical perspective. Remember, there is no goal too big or too small in recovery. Therefore, it takes emotional strength and persistence to endure the challenges presented in the wall stage.

What Can I Do About It?

A journal is a great tool to allow you to recognize how far you have come. It will enable you to celebrate the small victories and accomplishments in your recovery. Keeping a journal can prevent you from succumbing to feelings of doubt. Seeing your accomplishments is also empowering and motivating in preventing you from listening to your negative thoughts. Such negative self-talk is a deception. You might also utilize mindfulness to help you evaluate all the good things you have gained in recovery. 

Turn to Your Support Network

Your recovery relies heavily on the company you keep. Therefore, it is essential to remember that your loved ones know your progress and are proud of you. These include your loved ones, professionals, and peers. Try to maintain consistency in contact, such as attending meetings, having lunch, or watching movies together. These all help keep a healthy presence of positive people around you. Having this kind of emotional support will benefit you in times of need.  

Share Your Experiences at Meetings  

Do not feel afraid to talk and share your experiences at meetings. When you share your experiences, you will discover that you are not alone in how you are feeling. Therefore it is crucial to continue to attend 12-Step programs and discuss your feelings openly. If your substance use traces back to a traumatic experience, consider seeking additional therapy. Therapy such as CBT helps diagnose and treat the underlying causes related to your feelings. 

Overcoming the Wall Stage

Once you manage to pull through the wall stage, the following months will begin to restore hope. Your mood and energy will improve as life feels manageable again. While anxiety and loneliness might still occur, you will have developed more resilience to overcome them. 

Remember to exercise patience, persistence, and humility because you don’t want to grow overconfident or complacent in recovery. The wall stage is necessary to help you stabilize emotions.

Recovery takes vigilance; therefore, you should not take anything for granted. If you are currently struggling to maintain sobriety, then the time to get help is now.  At Laguna Shores Recovery, we strive to understand and meet your needs to achieve sobriety and sustain recovery. We offer various treatment and therapy models ranging from scientific practice to holistic practices. Our staff works hard to provide a comfortable, inspiring, and supportive atmosphere. Seeking treatment with us will be an empowering and freeing experience as you have never had before. Our success happens the day you realize how much meaning and purpose you have in your life. Remember, the life you deserve is waiting for you; you just need to take the first step. Find out more by calling us today 954-688-5806, and our experienced staff can help answer your questions about how to handle challenges in different stages of recovery.