Most people don’t wake up one day and decide to make a change, especially an everlasting change. Behavior change can take time and we often go through stages of change. This is especially true with substance use behavior and other major lifestyle changes. Let’s take a look at the 5 stages of change and some of the characteristics of each stage (Prochaska & DeClemente, The transtheoretical model of change).
Precontemplation
In the precontemplation stage you think the behavior isn’t a problem or you aren’t ready to make a change. You may be thinking, “I am here because my wife wants me to be here or my doctor told me to be here.”
Contemplation
In the contemplation stage you are weighing the pros and cons of making the change or have mixed feelings about making the change. “I should stop drinking so much but all of my friends drink and it is just a part of my life.”
Preparation
In preparation stage you are making a commitment and have a plan to change. “I need to add more fruits and vegetables to my grocery list”.
Action
In the action stage you are implementing the plans you made. “I am buying more fruits, I am not drinking alcohol and I am going to AA meetings.”
Maintenance
Once the change has been in place for 6 months and is an integrated part of your life you are considered to be in the maintenance stage of change.
Some people may make a linear change through the stages but it is more common for us to move back and forth between the stages. Preparation and then contemplation or action and then preparation. I can meet you at whatever stage you are and help you focus on moving towards the goal(s) you want to achieve!
