A
This stage of change occurs before you even know there is something you want to change
Precontemplation
You fall back into old habits and behaviours
Relapse
Suzy is a mother who feels the amount of Vicodin she has been consuming is interfering with her relationship with her children. She has told her husband she would speak with her doctor but consistently “forgets” to do so.
Contemplation – Suzy has begun questioning the impact her drug use is having but is not taking it seriously enough to act.
6. Reba is a high school student who has begun abusing Opioid prescription drugs with some other teens after school. Her best friend tells her the behavior is dangerous but Reba insists she is having fun and the drugs are safe because they came from a pharmacy.
Precontemplation – Reba does not believe there is anything wrong with her behaviors and incorrectly views the drugs as “safe.”
At this stage, you have started to make a change and alter your behaviour.
Action
Mahra notices that she has put on some weight. She starts exercising 2 days a week. Which stage of change is she in?
Action
Eliza decides that she is tired of constantly seeking pills and after a few days of thought, she tells her therapist that she is ready to change. The therapist then makes her an appointment with a drug and alcohol counselor.
Preparation – Eliza has recognized her problem and is preparing to take action.
At this stage, you know that there is a problem or need for change, but have not yet decided to change.
Contemplation
Dana started off the year right by choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables, but started buying her favorite cakes and candies again.Which stage of change is she in?
Relapse
Page has been taking Oxycodone for three years and is addicted to the medication. He was obtaining them from anyone who would sell them to him. He has recently realized the impact it is having on his life and he has made an appointment with his doctor to discuss quitting. P
Preparation – Page recognizes that he has a problem and has taken steps to get him to the Action stage.
In this stage long term change occurs and the new behaviours have now replaced the old ones
Maintenance
1. Mike is a college student who is struggling with the stress of his coursework. He has been obtaining and nasally ingesting Ritalin to keep himself awake at night to study. Mike believes the Ritalin is not a problem and it is helping him to succeed in school.
Pre contemplation
After successfully quitting a severe Opioid habit, Kitty was sober for over 8 months. One afternoon she sees an old boyfriend and becomes depressed. Kitty goes to the home of her old drug dealer and obtains five Percocet pills. She immediately takes all of them. R
Relapse – Kitty had entered the maintenance stage but encountered a “trigger” and then relapsed.
At this stage, you plan on making a change and believe that a change is both needed and possible. You start planning how to can make changes
Preparation
. After 15 years of Opioid dependence, Earnest checked himself into a rehabilitation program. He has been sober for two years and has a large support system around him.
Maintenance
Roger is an Opioid addict and has been clean for 2 months. He regularly sees a therapist and attends NA meetings once a week.
Action – Roger is on the right track but remains in the action stage. This is because he has not reached the 6 month point required to enter the Maintenance Stage.