The Five Stages of Behaviour Change.
Researches formulated the 5 stage model of behaviour change in the 1970s after researching how people quit smoking. The model is an effective lens for viewing the process by which people change health related behaviours. Many aspects of personal change fit the model to some degree. As a parent, you may see where some of your child’s behaviour fits into these broad categories. As you develop an awareness of the change model, it will support your understanding of the process of change, yield insight and offer you tools to help your child.
The researchers found that there was a consistent pattern of behaviour and thinking that people passed through as they moved through the process of change. As a result, the model is empowering because it provides insight into what can seem like a mysterious process. That there is in fact concrete and predictable stages of change, allows us to support those trying to make changes by tailoring support to the specific needs of each stage.
The Five Stages of Change Model.
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preperation (determination)
- Action
- Maintenance
The phases of change moves broadly as follows. First, we are unaware of the need for change. We are unwilling to even closely look at the need for change and we may be in a state of denial and disempowerment. Next, we begin to see the need for change. We begin to shift in awareness. We begin to imagine ourselves as capable of change. Following this, we start to visualize ourselves changing, we begin to develop a plan to actually change. Next, we begin to make concrete change. We put a plan into place, we take action and begin to change. Following this, in the maintenance phase, we continue to uphold the changes made during the action phase.
Pre-contemplation
In the pre-contemplation stage people are not yet seriously considering changing behaviour. They do not plan to change behaviour in the immediate or short term future. During this stage people are likely to focus on the cons of changing behaviour and have trouble seeing the pros of change. The stage of pre-contemplation is characterized by what is called the 4 Rs. Reluctance, Rebellion, Resignation, and rationalization.
Take away
Simply put, during this stage, the person has not come to terms with the need for change. With drug and alcohol abuse, simply breaking the cycle of use is a powerful step that can be relevant at this stage. This is why admitting minors to treatment programs is so important, because breaking the cycle of drug use creates an opportunity for healing. Outside of an external intervention, then continually expressing support and information regarding dangers, consequences and the possibility of recovery can help shift perspective in the pre-contemplative stage.
Contemplation
During this stage, the person has begun to understand the need for change. There is some type of intention to change, although it is in the future and may be undefined. At this stage there is a clearer understanding of the pros and cons related to change. However, there may still be a certain level of resistance at this point, despite being somewhat aware of the need for change.
Takeaway
At this stage the person has a burgeoning awareness of the need and intention to change. Therefor supporting this awareness and motivation should be the primary tactic of people involved. Anything that can help the person move towards conviction for change, or desire for change could be helpful. Showing them the positive outcomes of change, showing them the positive aspects of recovery etc.
Preparation
At this stage people feel ready to take action. They understand the need for change and have a complete intention to change in the short term or immediate future. This stage may be defined by concrete planning and real intention around dates and times. This is still an extremely delicate phase, as all the phases are. Difficult setbacks in external life and emotional triggers can easily derail someone in the preparation stage.
Takeaway
The goal here is to reduce stress or anything that might interfere with someone following through with a plan to change. Whatever can be done that is supportive and encouraging is helpful. As a family member, offering consistent and authentic emotional support is extremely valuable. Also supporting the decision making and planning process without removing personal empowerment or agency may be very helpful as well.
Action
During the action stage the person is actively engaged in making the changes in their behaviour. They have made a change or are making concrete changes. Although this is a time to celebrate the enormous significance of taking action, it is often still fraught with tension and challenge. Especially with regard to drugs and alcohol, the emotional landscape of someone withdrawing from substances is chaotic and volatile. So despite this being a very positive stage, it may be filled with uncertainty and volatility.
Takeaway
At all stages, professional support is highly valuable, but during the action stage it is particularly relevant. In action people may feel over confident in the brief period of change they have felt and under estimate the difficult road ahead. People often underestimate the emotional triggers and environmental challenges around them, when they are feeling confident in the early stages of action. Because of this, robust professional support to teach skills, coping tools, strategies and on-going therapy are highly recommended at this stage.
Maintenance
The maintenance stage consists of maintaining the desired behaviour over time. Anyone who has seen a gym’s membership swell in the New Year only to dwindle a few months later, is seeing the challenges of maintenance in action. During the maintenance stage, the person must be actively addressing the emotional issues that co arose with drug use and be actively controlling environmental triggers and emotional triggers. There must be a high degree of personal agency being exercised for the maintenance stage to be successful long term. In other words, the person must deeply want to keep the change in their lives.
Takeaway
In recovery, a new community of sober peers and friends may serve as a very important bulwark against slipping into old patterns. Ongoing therapy may also help provide consistent support to protect against setbacks. The maintenance phase is very much about awareness. Awareness around the internal aspects of addiction, the environmental factors influencing addiction and the social and emotional factors that play a role in health and wellbeing. Family members, peers and professionals can help someone develop awareness, but ultimately the person must take accountability for maintaining change in their lives.
Drug and alcohol addiction is an equal-opportunity destroyer. Since 1990, the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) clinical team have excelled at helping adolescents and their families find their way out of the desperately hopeless pit of addiction. A leader in the field of addiction recovery, AARC continues to help youth and restore families through our fully accredited and internationally recognized treatment program in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.