Which stage occurs during Years Six to Ten?

• A. Stabilization
• B. Deepening
• C. Connectedness
• D. Integration

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that as recovery progresses beyond the early years, the focus shifts to building and sustaining meaningful connections with others. This is what the stage of connectedness embodies: forming and nurturing supportive relationships within family, peer groups, and the wider recovery community.

During Years Six to Ten, individuals have typically established basic stability and begun deepening their coping skills. With that foundation, they can invest more energy in belonging to a community, engaging in mutual support, and possibly mentoring or helping others. These social connections provide accountability, emotional support, and a sense of purpose, which are crucial for maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.

Stabilization centers on creating safety and routines to stay sober; deepening concentrates on internal growth, coping skills, and personal development; integration focuses on weaving recovery into everyday life and identity. The emphasis on relationships and community in the six-to-ten-year window makes connectedness the best descriptor of this stage.