Addiction 101
Stages of change
The stages of change model (Prochaska et al., 1992) explains how deliberate change can happen.
The model describes five stages that people go through when changing their behaviour: precontemplation (not ready), contemplation (getting ready), preparation (ready), action and maintenance. The model assumes that everyone goes through a similar process when changing a behaviour (Prochaska & Prochaska, 2009). An unofficial sixth stage is called "relapse." At this stage, a person returns to old behaviours. For example, someone might have a beer after a period of abstinence or smoke a cigarette after quitting. Relapse is common. It is best to be realistic about the likelihood of relapsing, and to see it as a normal part of the process, rather than as a failure.
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