The Stages of Change Model & Addiction

The Stages Of Change

Here are the six stages of change, and what they mean:

1. Precontemplation

The first element in stages of change is “precontemplation.” During this phase, substance users don’t consider their situation a problem. Their drug or alcohol use is “social” or “recreational,” and they can stop using when they want. 

Often, the hallmark of precontemplation is denial. Users usually believe their behavior isn’t resulting in any negative consequences (and so it can continue). Furthermore, they often don’t want to hear others telling them their habit may be harmful. They see it as a new and exciting part of life. 

Many individuals in this phase view their habits as pleasurable. It often feels good to indulge in addictive behaviors because the adverse effects haven’t yet become real. 

2. Contemplation

The next step is “contemplation” where the individual begins to think deeply about whether their addictive behavior is a positive force. This stage often sees them trying to moderate or “cut down” on their use of recreational substances or alcohol. 

Critically, those in the contemplation stage often sense that their addiction is harming them. For example, they may experience work performance issues or difficulty in maintaining social relationships. Health issues may also begin to emerge at this stage. 

These problems begin to motivate change in the individual. They become more willing to receive information on improving their situation and what they could do next. 

However, those in this stage won’t commit to a course of action immediately because their circumstances aren’t sufficiently dire. As such, many individuals can remain in “contemplation” for years. 

You often see this stage in people who drink alcohol. Many tell themselves they will be okay, even if they can see the harm being done to their bodies. 

3. Preperation

The preparation stage occurs when the individual moves away from thinking about changing theoretically and begins to make concrete plans. This step goes beyond merely learning about available treatments and considering how to access them. 

This phase starts with the individual deciding on the level of change they want in their lives. Some may vow to cut down, while others want to quit completely. The form preparation takes depends on the individual and their circumstances. More serious addictions require more action-oriented interventions. 

The next step is to collect resources to overcome the addiction. Individuals may, for example, go to the store to buy nicotine patches or research the costs of staying in a rehab clinic. They may also speak to their doctor for advice on the next steps. 

Often, modifying the environment to eliminate triggers is part of this process. Getting rid of anything that might cause cravings can provide additional support to make the withdrawal phase more tolerable. 

Users may also need to work with a counselor as an outpatient. Having someone reliable to call when things get tough is often helpful. 

4. Action

The action stage is where the rubber meets the road. Users stop their addictive habits and focus on reclaiming their lives. 

Action for many individuals begins in a treatment center. These facilities offer trained professionals who can provide support through the early stages of withdrawal (which can be the most challenging). However, it can also involve becoming an outpatient where individuals get assistance during the day but remain at home the rest of the time. 

Unfortunately, the action stage is often the most stressful. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some requiring medical management to safely overcome. However, the body will eventually detox and the requirement for the substance will reduce or disappear. 

5. Maintenance

The maintenance stage requires another shift in thinking. Here, individuals leave the most challenging detox phase but resolve to uphold the decisions made in the preparation and action stages.

Maintenance can succeed but can also fail, so patients must be vigilant during this phase. It is all too easy to slip back into addiction. 

Rehab clinics deal with this by recommending strict abstinence from substances after the detox phase. Avoiding alcohol and drugs altogether reduces the risk of relapse. 

Therapists also recommend sticking to healthy behaviors, like exercise, a healthy diet, and regular routines. Living a “normal life” is often an excellent way to overcome addictions. 

6. The Relapse Stage

Unfortunately, the stages of change also include a relapse stage – or the tendency of some individuals to go back to substance use. The form this takes can vary, with some individuals dabbling in old habits while others return to full-blown addiction. 

The trick to preventing this stage from occurring is to manage triggers and avoid situations where substance abuse becomes more likely. Often, patients go through several relapses before finally committing to quit for good.