Stages of Change
At this stage you're aware that a problem exists, but remain uncertain if you want to change or what's involved with changing. You may be weighing your options: should you stay where you are or invest efforts in doing things differently. You might be taking the first steps to figure out what's involved.
Contemplation Stage of Change
What's the different between an internal and external trigger?
Internal- inside you, you have more control of
External- outside you, you do not have as much control of
What is your deep hole that you keep falling into?
Substance use, school, conflict with family, probation, legal issues, fights, depression, anxiety
Why may people take the easy-fast track on The "Reality" Ride instead of the harder but worth it track?
For the thrill, due to comfortability of not having to make changes.
Each person name one positive replacement activity that you can do instead of using substances
Basketball, paint your nails, go to the movies, video games, bake, do a puzzle, color
At this stage you're not considering changing anytime soon. You're aware unaware that a problem exists, but family, friends, and peers are aware that there's a problem. If you seek help at this stage in the process it's due to pressure from others.
Precontemplation Stage of Change
Each group member name one external trigger
Using peers, conflict with family, school
What protects you from some obstacles in your life?
Positive activities, coping skills, protective factors
Why is recovery like climbing a mountain?
•At the base , the climb seems intimidating, full of obstacles
•Midway, progress is visible but challenges persist
•The summit represents achieving sustained recovery and personal growth
Name one of the problem solving strategies to help make good decisions?
STOP, STAR Vision, SODAS
In this stage you're engaged and ready to challenge, control, and defeat any patterns or issues you have been struggling with. You're committing time and effort to change and grow.
Action
Each group member identify one internal trigger
emotions, thoughts
What gets in your way of utilizing strategies/techniques to overcome obstacles?
Low self-esteem, no supports, mental health
What can you to get back on track if you were to relapse?
Talk to a support/ ask for help, go to a meeting, talk to your therapist, utilizing coping skills
What is a decisional balance and what is one benefit from completing one?
Identifying pros and cons of making a change vs not
Look at the options before making a decision
In this stage, you're testing the waters. You've committed to doing things differently and are getting ready to challenge and address the issues this may be when you develop a plan or a timeline for strategies, techniques, etc. into your schedule.
Preparation Stage of Change
How long can a trigger/craving last?
20 minutes
What is a common thought that leads to substance use?
-I’ll just have one or one more time
-I can handle this alone
-I don’t care
What is the biggest sign or behavior that would tell you that you are about to fall down your slippery slope of relapse?
Name the 4 D's
Distract
Delay
Deep Breathing
De-Catastrophize
This stage involves sliding back into old patterns. This may happen when addressing significant triggers or when encountering new barriers to change.
Relapse
Identity 4 categories of specific triggers that can lead to relapse
What have been some of your obstacles on your climbing Mt Recovery journey and how do you overcome them?
Negative peers, family conflict, mental health
Utilizing skills, utilize supports, have good self-care
What are some ingredients/good behaviors when making a recipe for positive changes?
Sobriety, spending time with good influences, having motivation, positive mindset
How can one use the domino effect to prevent relapse?
One decision can create a domino effect which can lead to using substances. Recognizing signs to prevent the first domino from falling such as arguing with loved ones, feelings of hopelessness or anger, spending time with using peers.