Recovery from drug addiction is a tough journey. It takes many steps and a lot of time. The Stages of Change model can help people who are struggling with addiction, as well as their families and caregivers. This model breaks down the process of recovery into different stages, making it easier for people to understand and achieve their goals of getting sober.
However, in this blog, we will thoroughly explain each of the stages so that everyone can understand. Whether you are struggling with addiction yourself or you care about someone who is, knowing these stages can help you better understand the process of recovery.
What is the Stages of Change Model?
James Prochaska and Carlo C. Clemente created the Stages of Change theory in the late 1970s. It’s a theory that helps us understand how people change their behavior, like quitting smoking, drinking, or using drugs. This theory shows that change is a process, not a single event. It helps us understand the different stages people go through as they work towards change.
There are six stages in the Stages of Change model:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Relapse (and Recovery)
Each stage depicts particular stages of change in addiction recovery. To better understand these stages, let’s delve into them one by one.
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Precontemplation: “I Don’t Have A Problem”
The contemplation stage is when a person isn’t even thinking about changing. They may not even realize they have a problem, or they might deny it completely. They might say things like:
- “I don’t have a problem.”
- “I can quit whenever I want.”
- “It’s not affecting my life.”
In this stage, people tend to get defensive if others point out their problems. They may refuse help or think that no one can really help them. They might think that everyone is making a big deal out of nothing. This stage can last for many years, especially if the person doesn’t realize how much their addiction is affecting their life.
How to help: This stage is about gently reminding the person that they might have a problem. You should be careful not to be too pushy or critical. Instead, try to have a calm and open conversation about their behavior and how it might be affecting their life. This can help them move to the next stages of addiction cycle.
Read More: Elevate Addiction Services: A Comprehensive Approach
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Contemplation: “Maybe I Have a Problem”
In the contemplation stage, the person starts to think they might have a problem. They begin to realize that their behavior is causing problems, but they haven’t decided to change yet. At this stage, a person might have mixed feelings. They might think:
- “I know it’s bad for me, but I enjoy it.”
- “I should probably quit, but don’t know how to do it.”
- “I think that ‘difficult’ means this is going to be a challenge.”
During this stage, people weigh the pros and cons of changing their behavior. They consider the good things about their current behavior, like pleasure and stress relief, and the bad things, like health problems, relationship problems, or legal trouble. They may stay in this stage for a long time because they enjoy the good things and don’t want to give them up.
How to help: In this stage, it’s helpful to encourage the person to learn more about addiction and how it affects their life. You can help by listening to them and helping them understand the benefits of change.
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Preparation: “I Want to Change”
The preparation stage is when the person decides to make a change. They’re not ready to take big steps yet, but they’re starting to think about it. They might start making small changes, like drinking less or talking to a doctor.
During this stage, they might think:
- “I am going to attempt to quit soon.”
- “I need to solve your problems or get some materials.”
- “What can I do to get this?”
Those in this stage take partial responsibility for their addiction and are starting to make a move toward positive change. They may select a treatment program or go to a doctor to express a desire to change, or they may disclose it to a close friend or a family member.
How to help: Practical assistance, which can be beneficial in this stage, is offering assistance in finding treatment for themselves or helping them come up with a plan. It is also helpful if they are persuaded to take baby steps – like joining a group or speaking with a counselor.
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Action: “I’m Ready to Change”
The action stage is the one where the person starts changing the behavior, and evolving processes take place here. They might have gone for admission, reduced their intake, or stopped using the substance completely. This stage is characterized by initiating change in relation to an addiction, and such change may be fundamental.
During the action stage, people might:
- Go for psychotherapy or counseling.
- Engage in activities led by support groups.
- Making changes to their social life, like avoiding people or environments, triggers their addiction.
- Try not to focus on what you shouldn’t be doing but rather make an effort to exercise or practice meditation.
This stage requires a lot of effort and dedication. The person will face challenges and make mistakes, but they are committed to quitting or reducing their substance use.
How to help: Encouragement, motivating, and being there for them when they have had enough can go a long way. Tell them it’s common for one to ask for assistance when they are having a difficult time and that you do not have to do it individually.
Read More: Coping Skills for Addiction: Are You Missing Something?
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Maintenance: “I’m Staying on Track”
This is the stage where the person is after change and is able to withstand change, which is called the maintenance of change. This stage of the addiction cycle of change is just focused on no relapse and maintaining most of the progress they have made. Most of those in this stage can attend support groups or therapy meetings; nonetheless, it is about preserving sobriety or better behavior in the future.
In this stage, they might think:
- “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
- “I need to stay vigilant so I don’t slip back.”
- “How can I keep this up for the long haul?”
It can take a lifetime as addiction is a chronic disease that has to be dealt with for the rest of the affected person’s life. One thing that needs to be understood by that person is that recovery does not stop when they stop taking substances – it is a lifelong process that demands work.
How to help: ’It’s okay; you can keep going.’ This should be done with the aim of making them continue with what they are doing even when things are OK. Let them know it is perfectly okay to go through such and tell them that they are strong enough to overcome slavery.
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Relapse (and Recovery): ”I Slipped, but I Can Get Back Up”
Many people who are recovering from addiction struggle with the temptation to relapse. Relapse means going back to using drugs or alcohol. It’s important to remember that relapse is not the end of recovery. It’s a chance to learn more about what triggers addiction and how to deal with those triggers in the future.
Relapse can happen for various reasons, such as:
- Different mental health issues like psychosis, anxiety, depression, and bipolar cause stress or emotional distress.
- Settings within the social context that call for substance use.
- Overconfidence in their ability to stay sober without support.
When an individual believes they are a drug or alcohol addict and relapses, that person should not quit. They need to understand that this is all part of the recovery process and that this ought to be used to help them get back into recovery.
Read More: Telehealth Addiction Treatment: A Path To Recovery From Anywhere
How to help: When deciding someone has relapsed, do not shame the patient. Rather, they should be encouraged to get love and told that they can rebuild their lives. Make them go back to their doctor or at least talk to someone who can help them. They need to understand that recovery may be a long, slow process and that they will experience some occasional slips along the way.
Conclusion: Change Takes Time.
The stages of change addiction model show that recovery from addiction is a process. People don’t just move forward step-by-step; they often take steps forward and backward. Understanding these different addiction stages of change can help people who are struggling with addiction or those who care about them. It’s important to remember that change is possible, even if it seems difficult.
If you or someone you know needs help, then your ideal pick is the telehealth services of Inland Empire Behavioral Group. By understanding the stages of addiction recovery, you can work towards a healthier and happier life with the help of leading mental health support in town.
