Everyone is different, but in a general way, the steps that other people have taken to move through abstinence and into recovery include the following:

First, they acknowledged the problem.
Then they sought and accepted help and support from reliable resources outside of their own egos and will-power.
With that help, they did whatever it took to become abstinent, that is, to stop using alcohol and drugs.
Through the guidance of others, they discovered proven, workable plans to lead them toward recovery.
They integrated the details of those plans into their daily lives and kept the process alive through consistent attention and effort.
They continued to find and utilize resources that deepened their recovery experience by encouraging physical, mental, and spiritual growth and change.
They became resources for others who needed help.