The Stages of Change Model

Written By Heather Marine

The stages of change as it relates to recovering from addiction:

  1. Precontemplation

  2. Contemplation

  3. Preparation & Determination

  4. Action

  5. Maintenance

  6. Termination

These are the 6 stages. In brief, this is what each stage looks like:

Precontemplation looks like denial of the issue.
Contemplation is when an individual is considering change.
Preparation looks like an investigation of possible paths forward into recovery (like identifying a treatment provider).
Action would be checking into treatment or other support groups.
Maintenance is joining AA or an Intensive outpatient program for example.
Termination is to make a decision to live a life of service and recovery.

Heather Marine
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