Stage It!
Jamal says, "I don't need to stop. I can quit whenever I want."
What is Precontemplation?
What’s one barrier that keeps people in Precontemplation?
Denial, shame, fear, lack of awareness.
Getting a promotion at work: Trigger or Growth? Why?
Could be both. Stress = trigger; confidence = growth.
What’s one small action someone in Preparation could take today?
Call a support line, research programs, talk to a friend.
Your friend says, “I’m fine. I don’t need help.” What would you say to them?
Show care, share concern without judgment.
Tanya is weighing the pros and cons of going to rehab.
What is Contemplation?
Name something that can push someone from Contemplation to Preparation.
Support, education, hitting bottom, encouragement.
Skipping group for two weeks: Trigger or Growth?
What is Trigger? (Loss of accountability.)
What tool can someone in Action use to stay on track?
Schedule, journaling, group, sponsor.
A peer relapsed and is ashamed to come back to group. What’s something helpful you could say?
“You’re not alone. What matters is you’re here now.”
After a scary blackout, Chris made an appointment with a counselor.
What is Preparation?
What’s a common mental block in the Preparation stage?
Fear of change, not knowing where to start, low confidence.
Going to a wedding with an open bar: Trigger or Growth?
Trigger. Must prepare or avoid.
How can someone in Maintenance prevent boredom in recovery?
Hobbies, service work, new goals, learning.
You notice you’re feeling restless and thinking about old habits. What stage might you be slipping into?
Possibly slipping from Maintenance toward Relapse.
Alex has been sober for 3 weeks and is going to IOP every day.
What is Action?
What’s a sign someone may be falling out of Maintenance?
Isolation, missing meetings, justifying old behaviors.
Starting a morning meditation routine: Trigger or Growth?
What is Growth?
Name a helpful daily habit for someone early in Action.
Gratitude list, check-ins, cravings log.
If someone said they want help but keep avoiding the first step, how could you support them?
Offer help finding resources, normalize fear, offer to go with them.
Maya has been clean for 11 months and uses a recovery journal daily.
What is Maintenance?
What is one way to reframe relapse as part of recovery?
As a learning opportunity and motivation to adjust the plan.
Running into someone you used with: Trigger or Growth? What do you do?
Trigger. Use coping skills or seek support.
What’s one thing you’ve done that moved you into a new stage?
Open reflection and discussion.
You’ve made progress, but someone tells you “you’re not really changing.” How do you respond assertively?
“I’m doing the work for me, not for approval. I know I’ve changed.”