Stages of Change
The individual has decided to end their drug use, but they are still in the beginning stages. They are thinking about or planning how to become sober.
What is preparation?
Smelling a drug, such as the smoke of a cigarette.
what is the scent of a drug?
Instead of trying to resist the cravings and risks created by triggers, try to avoid them altogether.
What is "know your triggers and avoid them"?
A relapse does not erase the knowledge and experience you've grained from previous periods of sobriety.
What is "relapse does not mean starting over"?
Try to calculate how much money you spend on drug use every year. You might be surprised.
What is "save money"?
The individual is not considering ending their drug use
What is precontemplation?
Visiting a neighborhood where a person once purchased drugs, a bar where they drank, etc.
What are old places of use?
A relapse prevention plan reduces the risk of relapse. Create a list of available social support and coping skills before they're needed.
What is "having a plan"?
It might not feel like it in the moment, but cravings will pass.
What is "cravings will pass"?
Think of all the free time you'll have when you consider how much of your day goes to acquiring, using, and recovering from drugs.
What is "more free time"?
The person uses a drug after becoming sober, but they do not fall back into their old patterns of use. A lapse can easily lead to relapse.
What is a lapse?
Being in a "party" atmosphere where there might be pressure to use.
What are parties?
Relapse can happen when you let down your guard. Even after years of sobriety, triggers can reignite cravings.
What is "always be aware of risks"?
Even after achieving sobriety, old triggers can lead to cravings. Don't assume you can resist temptations.
What is "don't become complacent or overconfident"?
Think of all the people you know who may no longer be in your life because of your use.
What is "better relationships"?
At this stage, a person might consider the possibility of ending their drug use, but they haven't made up their mind. No concrete steps have been made toward sobriety.
What is contemplation?
Even well-intentioned friends who are using drugs act as a reminder, and an easy source of access, which enables relapse.
What are friends who still use drugs?
Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or sponsor
What is "talk to a supportive person when tempted"?
Alcohol reduces inhibitions, which will make it even harder to resist the next drink.
What is "one drink leads to two"?
Drug use might help a person calm their nerves or forget about problems for a few hours, but the same problems are only worse after sobering up.
What is "improved mental health"?
Sobriety has been maintained for an appreciable amount of time. At this point, the individual is working on maintaining their progress.
What is maintenance?
Periods of stress from work, school, relationships, or other sources can act as a trigger. A person might feel that they cannot cope without a drug.
What is stress?
Staying involved with sobriety through support groups will help you stay vigilant about sobriety.
What is "attend support groups"?
Just because you had a lapse doesn't mean you're starting from scratch with sobriety. Walking away after 1 drink is better than walking away after 5.
What is "don't let a lapse become a relapse"?
Drugs take a major toll on health and physical appearance. Some of these changes can be reversed by prolonged sobriety.
What is "better health and appearance"?
The individual has recently ended their drug use. They may be making changes to ensure they do not relapse.
What is action?
Seeing others use a drug.
What is witnessing drug use?
Ending drug use can leave a person with a bunch of free time. Find something new to fill that time.
What is "find new activities to replace drug use"?
Find new friends with interests ourside of drug use. Get involved with healthy activities that will allow you to meet new people.
What is "make sober friends"?
A person who's intoxicated is only partially present for their life. They might be physically present, but rarely are they mentally present.
What is "being present for life"?
The individual falls back into drug use and habits after a period of sobriety.
What is relapse?
Anything that a person associated with their past use can trigger cravings. Examples include songs that a person listened to while using, a particular food, or hobbies associated with use.
What are reminders?
Stress, anger, depression, and anxiety can contribute to relapse. Pay attention to your feelings, and how they affect you.
What is building awareness of thoughts and feelings?
If drug use was a major focus of your life before sobriety, replace it with something new.
What is "find healthy activities to focus on"?
Avoid the risky situations of addiction such as driving under the influence, poor decision making, and involvement with dangerous people.
What is "personal safety"?