Behavioral change does not happen in one step. This is especially true for addictive behavior. Lasting change in behavior happens when it follows a specific sequence. The steps in this sequence are articulated in a model known as the Stages of Change.

Successful recovery mirrors a natural progression through this model. You progress through the stages at your own rate. Behavioral change is difficult if a change is imposed before you arrive at the appropriate stage. 


Stages of Change Model

• Pre-Contemplation Stage - You do not think you have a problem, and do not consider change. You may act surprised or you may get angry when you are told you have a problem. - "Problem ...what problem?"

• Contemplation Stage - You experience ambivalence (mixed feelings), which comes about with growing awareness of risks and problems associated with your addiction. You both consider and reject change. "This may be a problem...I may need to make a change."

• Preparation Stage - You feel motivated now. You gather together your internal resources to prepare yourself for change. "I need to do something about this problem. I need to change."

• Action Stage - You engage in actions intended to bring change. You undertake new habits and begin to stop old ones. This takes willpower/self-discipline. "Let's make a plan...figure out some steps and strategies."

• Maintenance Stage - You need to sustain change and prevent relapse. It takes different skills. "I've changed a lot- how can I keep the progress I've made?"

• Relapse & Recycling Stage - You relapse into your old routines, at least to some degree. It is not uncommon for you to cycle through this stage a number of times. The importance is not to get stuck in this stage. "I've got more to learn."

• Transcendence Stage - The end result of this process is a new permanent place. Your old habits no longer feel a part of your life. To return to your old habits would feel foreign and strange.

You must decide for yourself when a stage is completed and when it is time to move to the next stage. Moreover, this decision must come from inside of you. Stable, long term change cannot be imposed by someone else.

However, an intervention should be done when someone you are concerned about is in denial, out of control, and a possible danger to themselves or others.