The Stages of Change model is referred to as a trans-theoretical model because it is an over arching model of all behavior change. The stages of change provides a way to understand the process of change and has proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol, drug and substance abuse. Essentially, the model serves as a guide to help the patient to understand where they are in their readiness to give up alcohol or drugs. Unlike other models, the stages of change does not require a commitment to abstinence from alcohol and drugs to enter rehab. Another unique aspect of the model is that it views change as including relapses and therefore helps prepare for relapses and contain them. Unlike abstinence based models, relapses do not constitute a treatment failure, but merely an expected bump in the road to recovery. All too often a relapse is seen as failure even when so much has been gained before. Relapses are viewed as learning opportunities to analyze triggers and vulnerabilities. Once relapse triggers have been identified, specific skills can be taught to cope with that specific situation. Too often patients view relapses as failures and become demoralized, give up hope and their commitment to substance abuse treatment. Our treatment center views relapses as inevitable on the road to recovery.
The Stages of Change Model
While recovery is different for each individual, the Stages of Change outline five processes that every individual may experience.
Pre-contemplation: In the initial stage, there is no thought about changing and even the suggestion of change is likely to be resisted as there is no motivation to do so. If someone you love is not ready to admit that they have a problem with alcohol or drug abuse, it may be best just to stand back and let the consequences fall where they may.
Contemplation: Contemplators are beginning to consider changing their behaviors, have started to recognize potential problems related to their behaviors, and are weighing pros and cons of change and considering if the long term benefits will surely outweigh the short term costs. Oftentimes, people around Contemplators become impatient; instead, try to remember that the Contemplator has not closed the door to change, but needs more information, support, consequences, etc. An act of Contemplation might be searching the internet for information about alcohol and drug treatment options, substance abuse treatment centers, alcoholics anonymous, etc.
Preparation: In this stage, people actually begin to look into what steps they could take to make desired changes. They are gathering information about what resources are available. They may begin talking to others about potential plans to enter rehab, the implications for change and considering what actions will be required to change. In this stage, people are likely to be open to input and information from others. They may begin to talk about their goals to stop or reduce their substance abuse, work on how they can take off from work or school, look into insurance coverage, and engage in other behaviors that signifiy steps towards recovery from drugs and alcohol. Others can help in brain storming about possible solutions and may provide additional input about the proposed plans, but only if such advice is desired.
Action: This is the stage where people actually do something that is observable by others that indicate movement towards behavioral change. This action can take many forms, but typically includes taking one or more of the steps considered in the preparation phase and / or using some of the resources identified in the preparation stage. It is in the Action stage that most people seek and benefit from formal treatment. This might include calling a counselor to make an initial appointment, entering a rehab program, going to an AA meeting, enrolling in an intensive outpatient program, etc. The Action stage indicates a commitment to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. Others can provide support by removing barriers to treatment, validating the individual’s efforts to change or becoming involved in treatment if indicated.
Maintenance: In this stage, people try to consolidate and maintain gains from the actions taken in the previous stage. It can be viewed as trying to sustain the changes achieved in the Action phase. Treatment goals, such as a reduction or abstinence from alcohol or drugs have been achieved and sustained. In the Maintenance stage, people are building new structures, such as changing people, places and things, to support their recent changes in substance abuse. Attending AA meetings, support groups, therapy and other new healthy behaviors are developed to support their recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. Again, others can be helpful in this stage by supporting these new behaviors, helping to eliminate reminders of old behaviors, and becoming involved in the new life style being created.
Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program incorporates the stages of change into our alcohol abuse and drug treatment approach. The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on motivational interviewing, stages of change, cognitive behavioral techniques to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment. In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies. Our treatment center provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting. If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery. Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful. Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.
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