The Stages of Change
These are the stages we all go through when we resolve to change our
behaviors. These stages apply to any behaviors whatsoever. Examples include
cigarette smoking, overeating, destructive relationships, gambling, and
drug use.
- Precontemplation:
The patient is engaging in the behavior,
but is not thinking about the consequences.
- Contemplation:
The patient would like to stop the behavior.
- Planning:
The patient has decided to stop the behavior.
- Action:
The patient stops the behavior.
- Maintenance:
The patient continues to avoid the behavior.
- Relapse:
The patient resumes the behavior.
Some important points to realize about The Stages of Change:
- Wherever you are in the stages of change, as long as you move one
step farther along, you are making progress. For example, if you move
from pre-contemplation to contemplation, that's just as important as
moving from planning to action.
- The more times you have relapsed, the greater your probability
of succeeding the next time you quit.
