TAP 21 AOD Counselor Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The stage of recovery that involves establishing a plan for maintaining sobriety is the Maintenance stage. In this stage, individuals focus on implementing strategies that have been developed to sustain their recovery over the long term. This includes developing a support system, setting up routines, and engaging in healthy activities that reinforce their commitment to sobriety.

During Maintenance, individuals actively practice the skills and tools they have learned throughout previous stages of recovery, ensuring that they can manage cravings and avoid relapse. This stage is crucial as it helps reinforce positive changes and fosters a sense of stability in the individual's life following the initial, often more tumultuous, phases of recovery. Therefore, the focus on maintaining sobriety through a solid plan is what characterizes this stage effectively.