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Changing Addiction -- The Five Stages of Change

Everyone always wants to know: “What is the path to recovery?” The answer to that, as it turns out, is quite personal. However, there are few pointers that you can use to measure where you or your loved one are at along that path. The Cancer and Prevention Research Center (CPRC) has come up with what they call the Transtheoretical Model of the Stages of Change. Obviously, recovery is a path to change and behavioral modification. It is a process of changing behaviors, and at times more difficultly, thinking. These stages of change become useful in that when you identify in what stage someone is residing you can identify what the next step should be. I will explain further how to actually use the transtheoretical model, but first, here are the stages of change:

1) Precontemplation Stage

In this stage the individual has no plans or intention at all to change their behavior. Many in this stage may actually be unaware of their problem in the first place. Unfortunately, leaving this stage may be the hardest.

2) Contemplation Stage

This stage is hallmarked by awareness of the problem and serious consideration about taking action to overcome it, but no real commitment has been made.

3) Preparation Stage

The preparation stage is where intention meets some sort of behavioral change. It includes the intent to take action in the next month. It also includes having taken action unsuccessfully in the last year.

4) Action Stage

This is where real modification of behaviors, experiences or their environment actually happens. This
stage requires significant amounts of energy and time.

5) Maintenance Stage

This stage begins approximately 6 months after action has been successfully carried out. During this stage people work hard to prevent relapses and consolidate the things they have learned and accomplished in the previous 4 stages. They actively use the techniques that got them this far maintain their recovery.

There are so many parts to this transtheoretical model that it is worth digesting it for a day. Think about behavioral modification. What stage are you in? What stage is your loved one in? Are they showing signs of working on the next stage? I’ll write more about how to actually use these stages and give an example or two tomorrow. Leave a comment, tell me what you think and where you or your loved one is at...or discuss this entry in the forum.
James Snow

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