Transtheoretical Stages of Change
John says, "My drinking is fine; everyone I know drinks this much." He shows no intention of changing his behavior.
Pre-Contemplation
This is the most basic level of needs, including food, water, and shelter.
Physiological Needs
Someone using this denial pattern might say, "It's not that bad" or downplay the impact of their behavior.
Minimizing
Sarah feels like she is failing because her recovery isn't aligning with the timeline she created in her head.
Unrealistic recovery expectations
Sarah is weighing the "pros" of using cocaine to cope with stress against the "cons," such as the legal troubles she's facing. She hasn't decided what to do yet.
Contemplation stage
Safety and Security needs
When confronted, Maria insists her choices are caused by her partner, her job, or stress. Anything except her own actions.
Blaming (projection)
This term describes the belief that recovery will occur in a straight, linear path.
Expectation of a "perfect" recovery
David has made an appointment with a therapist and looked into local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. He plans to start attending next week.
Preparation stage
The desire for friends, family, and a sense of community falls under this category.
Love and Belonging Needs
This pattern involves making excuses or giving reasons to justify unhealthy behavior.
Ex. "I only did it because I had a rough day."
Rationalization
Henry has been sober for one year. He assumed by now he wouldn't experience any triggers at all.
Expectation of eliminating all triggers
Paul has been sober for 18 months. He still attends a weekly support group and uses mindfulness techniques to avoid high-risk situations and prevent a return to his old behaviors.
Maintenance stage
Esteem Needs
A family member engaging in this pattern might make excuses for their loved one's behavior, call in sick to work for them, or bail them out of legal trouble.
Enabling
This expectation shows up when a person believes others should react a certain way, like offering praise, support, or understanding, and becomes upset when they don't.
Interpersonal expectations in recovery
In this final stage, an individual no longer has any desire to return to their substance abuse behavior and is confident they will not relapse
Termination stage
This level represents the pinnacle of the hierarchy, encompassing the fulfillment of one's potential, creativity, and self-fulfillment.
Self-actualization
This emotional factor, often a key driver of denial, prevents individuals from seeking help due to a fear of social judgment or embarrassment.
Shame (stigma)
Maria gets frustrated because she thinks her therapist is not "fixing" her. She gets upset when she realizes she has to work on herself internally.
Passive/externally driven expectations