The 5 Stages of Change
"Substance use? What's that? I don't have a problem"
What is Pre-contemplation stage?
These symptoms may include unusual or disturbing dreams, difficulty falling or staying asleep.
What are sleep problems or insomnia?
Define a problem behavior (non-judgmental, specific behaviors that include start/stop, frequency and severity.)
What are vulnerabilities?
Two famous animated snowmen.
Who are Frosty and Olaf
Includes increased energy and optimism, difficulty concentrating, encouragement from others, intense emotions and mood swings, appreciation of recovery, sleep issues, anger and resentment.
What is the Honeymoon or Pink Cloud Stage?
"I suppose stopping my substance use could help my health improve and save me money"
What is the Contemplative Stage?
May include becoming angry over "little things", or short lived mood swings.
What is emotional over reaction?
Define the moment that started chain of events.
What is the prompting event?
Considered the drink of Christmas.
What is eggnog?
Includes pervasive sense of anhedonia, emotional swings, "normal" life returns, slowing of positive reinforcements.
What is The Wall?
"I've looked at a few different treatment options. I think I've found one that will work. Now it's time to decide on a start date"
What is the Preparation Stage?
It can be difficult to learn new skills and information. You may find your treatment team repeating things for you or find loved ones irritated because "We already discussed this"
What are memory problems or forgetfullness?
Describe biological, physical, and environmental factors.
What is identify vulnerabilities?
Famous type of cake made on Christmas.
What is fruitcake?
Psychological issues mainly resolved, feeling cured and boredom.
What is the Adjustment Stage?
"I have been attending treatment and meetings and have 60 days sober"
What is the Action Stage?
Inability to concentrate more than a few minutes, have difficulty with abstract thinking or rely on repetitive thinking.
What is Inability to think clearly?
Describe in great detail thoughts, emotions, behaviors, action urges.
What are links in the chain?
These were traditionally hung on Christmas tree's, but now we have electricity.
What are candles?
Your new life doesn't feel so new anymore, you are becoming comfortable in recovery. This is the time to accept recovery as something to work on the rest of your life.
What is the Resolution Stage?
"I've been clean six months. I feel good attending meetings and sharing my experience with new comers"
What is the Maintenance Stage?
An inability to distinguish between high and low stress situations, or a feeling of stress in situations that wouldn't normally cause stress.
What is stress sensitivity?
Describe what happened as a result long and short term to self and others.
What is identifying consequences?
The Grinch tried to steal Christmas from the residents of this town.
Who are the Who's of Whosville?
You don't define yourself as an addict any longer. You accept you have a chronic disease. Pride. Contentment.
What is New Life?