Self-Reflection: The individual must recognize that their drug use or addiction is a problem that is negatively impacting their life. This realization often comes from personal reflection or from noticing the effects of substance use on relationships, work, health, and overall quality of life.
Understanding the Consequences: The person acknowledges that their drug use is leading to harmful consequences, whether they are physical (health issues), emotional (depression, anxiety), social (isolation, damaged relationships), or legal (arrests, legal troubles).

Personal Accountability: The individual takes responsibility for their actions and the role they have played in their addiction. This is an essential step in moving away from denial, where they might have previously minimized or justified their behavior.
Facing Reality: The individual stops blaming others or external circumstances for their substance use and instead accepts that they are the one who needs to make a change.

Commitment to Recovery: Once the problem is acknowledged, the individual must make a conscious decision to change. This involves a deep internal commitment to stop using drugs and to seek out the necessary help and support.
Setting Intentions: The person begins to set intentions or goals for their recovery journey. This might include getting sober, repairing relationships, or regaining control of their life.

Reaching Out for Support: Recognizing that overcoming addiction often requires external help, the individual reaches out to friends, family, or professionals. This could be in the form of talking to a loved one, consulting a doctor, or contacting a support group.
Exploring Treatment Options: The individual might explore different treatment options such as therapy, rehabilitation programs, or support groups. Understanding the resources available is crucial for the next steps in recovery.

Facing Emotional Barriers: The first step often involves confronting deep-seated fears, shame, and guilt. Many people struggling with addiction fear judgment or are ashamed of their situation, which can be a barrier to seeking help.
Building Courage: Taking the first step requires immense courage. The individual must be willing to face the unknown and the challenges that lie ahead in the recovery process.

Hope for the Future: A critical part of the first step is developing a sense of hope that change is possible. Believing that recovery can lead to a better life provides the motivation needed to start the journey.
Readiness to Learn and Grow: The person must be open to learning new ways of living and thinking. This mindset is crucial for adapting to the changes that recovery demands.

Education on Addiction: Understanding that addiction is a complex disease that involves both physical and psychological factors is important. Recognizing that it’s not just a matter of willpower but involves deep-seated issues that need addressing helps reduce self-blame.
Realizing the Process: The individual learns that recovery is a process, not an event. It requires ongoing effort, patience, and resilience.

Detoxification: In some cases, the first physical step might involve detoxification under medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
Engagement in Treatment: The individual may begin to engage with treatment services, which could include counseling, therapy, or attending support meetings.

Connecting with Others: Establishing a support network of people who understand and can assist in the recovery process is vital. This might include family, friends, recovery groups, or sponsors.
Communicating Needs: The individual starts to communicate their needs and challenges to their support network, which is essential for receiving the right kind of help.

Setting Goals: The person begins to set both short-term and long-term goals for their recovery. This might include milestones like completing a rehab program, maintaining sobriety for a certain period, or repairing relationships.
Developing Strategies: Developing strategies for dealing with triggers and high-risk situations that might lead to relapse is part of the planning process.