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What is the First Step in Entering Treatment?

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If the thought of entering treatment makes you feel a little nervous and scared, you are not alone. Many people considering entering treatment share these emotions, and for any number of reasons. The thought of the unknown, worries about losing the life you are familiar with, and fears about facing a world and your problems without substances or alcohol are just a few of the reasons people avoid or delay entering treatment. In 2021, about 10.4% of people who felt they needed substance use treatment but did not receive it in the past year said it was because “they feared attracting negative attitudes from their communities.” Put another way, the stigma likely prevented them from getting help. 

Even if you are ready to enter treatment, knowing where to start can sometimes feel confusing. This article aims to simplify the stages of addiction recovery and help readers understand the first step in entering treatment.

The 5 Stages of Recovery – Simplified

The concept of the five stages of recovery is credited to the transtheoretical model from researchers James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente. Here is a simplified overview of the stages:

  1.  Pre-contemplation – unawareness or denial that a change is needed
  2.  Contemplation – starting to recognize a problem and considering change
  3.  Preparation – an individual recognizes the need for change
  4.  Action – actively engaging in behavior change
  5.  Maintenance – an individual works to sustain the changes or is “in recovery”

People considering entering treatment will likely be somewhere between the contemplation and preparation stages (stages two and three). These stages may not necessarily be linear; a person can move in and out of stages. 

The 5 Steps to Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is commonly outlined in five steps. This is different than the five stages of recovery; the five steps are more like a zoomed-in look at stages three and four of recovery (preparation and action):

  1. Acknowledge the addiction
  2. Reach out and ask for help 
  3. Receive treatment options 
  4. Enter rehab 
  5. Recover 

The First Step in Entering Treatment

The first step in entering treatment is accepting that there is a problem and recognizing that a change is desired. The clinical definition of addiction is “when a person continues to do something despite experiencing major negative consequences.” Getting to the point of admitting there is a problem will look and feel different to everyone. For some people, it involves hitting “rock bottom.” For others, it might be the realization that they genuinely feel powerless over their addiction and know they don’t want to live life that way any longer. Some people talk about a specific event as the turning point and can pinpoint the exact moment when they realized they needed a change. Others describe it as a feeling that came on over time or during a few days, weeks, or even months. Acknowledgment of addiction can be the hardest step in entering treatment.

I’ve Admitted There is a Problem. What Do I Do Now?

If you have acknowledged you have an addiction, you are ready for the next steps in recovery: asking for help, considering treatment options, and entering rehab. Telling family and friends you have an addiction can be a very sensitive conversation. There are a lot of resources online to help you prepare, but here are a few tips for navigating the conversation:

  • Be honest about how you are feeling. It’s okay to say you don’t have all the answers about the next steps or that you’ve been feeling lost and confused if that is the case.
  • Say that you want help. If you have some treatment options in mind, it is okay to share them. If you don’t know what your next steps are and you feel comfortable asking them for input or help, they might be able to help you lighten the research load or support in other ways.
  • Explain why you’re looking for help. Your family and friends may have many questions as they try to understand your journey, but try to help them understand. They are likely to be more helpful once they do.
  • Ask them for support. It’s okay to ask them to support you, and if you have some ideas of what would be most helpful to you, feel free to share them.
  • Prepare for their reaction. Some family members and friends in your support network might have a reaction due to stigma or other reasons, and they may not understand. Don’t be embarrassed about your decision to seek help, and do your best to remain calm.

Finally, if you are a family member or friend of a loved one who might have an addiction, here is a resource from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) that can help you prepare for the conversation.

The first step in entering treatment can be scary and overwhelming, but having a plan and knowing that you deserve a life of fulfillment can make it easier. Recovery is possible, and you can do this.

Start Treatment at Southern Sky Recovery

Our outpatient facility in Bluffton, South Carolina, is locally owned and operated by people who understand addiction. We bring a practical and compassionate approach to recovery that includes several treatment and therapy options. If you or a loved one have been looking for answers, please call us today to discuss your options. You deserve a life free from addiction. 

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Sierra Bothwell

Counselor

Sierra is a dedicated addictions counselor passionate about helping individuals navigate recovery and build more stable, fulfilling lives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health from Seton Hill University and an Associate’s degree in Human Services with a certificate in Addiction Studies from Allegany College of Maryland. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University and holds her ADC-IP credential in South Carolina, working toward full ADC credentialing and LPC licensure.

Sierra has experience across detox, residential, and outpatient levels of care, providing both group and individual support. She uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach to help clients build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and apply what they learn in treatment to everyday life. She is especially passionate about working with individuals who are motivated for change but feel stuck, helping them create practical, personalized paths to recovery.

Originally from West Virginia, Sierra relocated to South Carolina in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys coffee shops, farmers’ markets, beach days, reading, and exploring with her dachshund, Cooper.

Peter Bean

Licensed Physician Assistant

Peter Bean Licensed Physician Assistant Peter Bean was born and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, and graduated with a B.S. in Biology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. During college he enjoyed volunteering as an EMT at the local fire department and playing on the College’s rugby team. He moved to the Charlotte suburbs in order to study at Wingate University, and he graduated with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. He spent the first couple years of his career doing general psychiatry before specializing in Addiction Medicine and has been working with Dr. Emmel since 2024. Peter currently resides in South Carolina along with his wife, 2 children, 2 dogs, and 3 chickens. Other hobbies (as time allows) include riding his motorcycle and helping with his family’s pepper garden.

Pam Deloach

Care Coordinator/CPRS

Pam is a Peer Support Specialist with Southern Sky, dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys with compassion, understanding, and hope. Born and raised in Hampton, South Carolina, Pam is a proud mother of two amazing boys, ages 20 and 10. She has always been drawn to work that helps others, spending 20 years as a massage therapist before beginning her own journey through recovery. Inspired by her experiences, Pam chose to use her story, strength, and insight to walk alongside others who are struggling with addiction.

In her free time, Pam enjoys going to the lake, spending time with family and friends, attending church, and cheering on her son at his baseball games. These moments keep her grounded and remind her of the joy in everyday life. She is committed to empowering individuals, building trust, and creating a safe, supportive environment for healing and growth.

Ben LaGrange

Community Relations Advocate

Ben is a person in long-term recovery with a gift for creativity, a deep connection with people, and a passion for helping others find their path to sobriety. After getting sober in 2018, he discovered that authenticity was the greatest gift he could offer. Embracing it brought genuine connection, creative freedom, and a beautiful life in recovery.

With experience in multimedia, fine art, and digital design, Ben studied photography at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has spent years working as a professional photographer and marketer. He has also worked in recreational and art therapy for substance use treatment and has led educational groups on anger management and relapse prevention.

Ben believes that connection is the opposite of addiction—and that when we allow ourselves to be fully authentic, we become our most powerful selves, capable of deeper connection and better equipped to help others navigate a turbulent world.

Keith Toomer

Residential House Manager

Keith began his career in the maintenance and plumbing industry, where he built hands-on experience and a strong work ethic. During that time, he faced significant challenges with addiction. His decision to seek help led him to Southern Sky Recovery in Bluffton, South Carolina—an experience that transformed his life.

Through the support of Southern Sky Recovery, Keith rebuilt his foundation and discovered his true passion: serving others on their recovery journeys. He was given the opportunity to become the Men’s Residential House Manager, a role that allows him to guide, support, and mentor men as they work toward lasting recovery.

“For the first time in my life, I found a career that truly fulfills me. I love working in addiction recovery and being part of a community dedicated to helping others heal and grow.”

Outside of work, Keith enjoys spending quality time with his family. He remains committed to his own recovery and has a strong interest in nutrition and exercise, which help him stay grounded, healthy, and focused.

He is grateful every day for the opportunity to serve his community and work in a field that gives his life purpose.

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