Recovery from addiction leads to lifestyle change. Individuals whose loved ones undergo the recovery process may feel long when they have doubtful expectations. Six stages of change, also known as the trans-theoretical model, explain how treatment works and how recovery is eventually attained. The six stages of change follow a sequential manner and include pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination.
Pre-contemplation is the most demanding and challenging stage of change, as addicts do not treat their behavior as an issue. Drug users remain reluctant to change due to numerous reasons such as being in denial stage or lacking contrary concerns due to their behavior (“Treatment approaches for drug addiction,” n.d.). At this stage, an individual’s behavior is positive for not causing any negative impact to their surroundings. Moreover, addicts find it difficult to listen to advice of quitting using drugs or hear about the side effects of the substance they are consuming. The pre-contemplation stage is divided into four substages: reluctant, rebellious, resigned, and rationalizing contemplators.
Reluctant contemplators lack awareness of their issue and the motivation to change. Rebellious contemplators remain clinched to their behavior, as they do not like being given instructions on what to do. Resigned contemplators tend to be overwhelmed by their behavior and seem to have lost hope in the possibilities of change (“Treatment approaches for drug addiction,” n.d.). Rationalizing contemplators who do not believe in the debate about substance abuse should emanate with them and not anyone else. The pre-contemplation stage of change requires persistence and determination in dealing with substance abuse. Recovery procedure takes time; therefore, counselors should assist addicts through the rescue process with much patience.
Reference
Treatment approaches for drug addiction. (n.d). National Institute on Durg Abuse. Web.