​
Environmental and Social Issues Resource Center
ESIRC Worldwide™
When it comes to the change that occurs during recovery, it’s a common belief that there are six stages. The stages of change in addiction recovery are discussed at length in Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment, published in 1999. These stages are often viewed as an important component of effective treatment planning and are applicable to nearly anyone currently engaged in recovery.
What Are The First Two Stages Of Change In Addiction Recovery?
The first two stages of change are precontemplation and contemplation. During the precontemplation stage, addicts are not considering change and don’t likely intend to change their behavior in the foreseeable future. Frequently, people at this stage are completely unaware their problem exists.
In the contemplation stage, addicts become aware of their problem and begin to perceive that there may be a cause for concern. It is typical for individuals to see reasons to change as well as reasons to stay the same during this stage. Commonly, addicts will remain in this stage for long periods of time before finally deciding to pursue change in a serious manner.
​
What Are The Next Two Stages Of Change In Addiction Recovery?
After contemplation comes preparation. During the preparation stage, addicts will perceive that the positive features of discontinuing their substance abuse outweigh any of the positive effects of continuing with their addictive behavior. Preparation includes specific planning for change as well as setting goals and making commitments to stop using drugs.
The action stage begins as addicts pursue the plan they set up for themselves. Addicts actively modify their habits and environment during this stage and will often be faced with the effects of withdrawal during detox. This stage may last up to six months for many people.​
What Are The Last Two Stages Of Change In Addiction Recovery?
Maintenance is the fifth stage of change in addiction recovery. In the maintenance stage, efforts are made to sustain the gains that were achieved. This may be the final stage for many people, as the stage after it is relapse. Relapse rates are high with addiction, and should not be considered a failure when they happen. They are simply a temporary setback.
No matter what stage you may be at, if you’re suffering from addiction then receiving proper addiction treatment can help you break the chains of your addiction. Receiving treatment away from the harmful environment that may lead to immediate relapse can make treatment more successful overall. The best thing to pursue will be a rehab facility with an on-site detox center to ensure that the transition from detox to treatment is as easy as possible.
FAIR USE NOTICE:
Foregoing Videos/Articles may contain copyrighted© material the use of which may not have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available herein to educate and advance research and understanding of ecological, scientific, environmental, moral, ethical, and social issues, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section § 107 . Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use, US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed with proper author credit, without change to authors work, without profit by ESIRC™ as educational and research information only to those who have expressed a general interest in receiving similar information for research, teaching and educational purposes. Proper citation of author and full credit to original publishing is noted and linked to original and ESIRC™ does not take credit for the authors work and states that the article/video is courtesy of the linked author as educational material only.
