Stages of Change Series – Part 6: Maintenance

Addiction, Recovery, Resources

The maintenance stage is self-explanatory, but how do I keep it going? It’s all about holding on to the positive change: Do I keep going to the gym? Do I stick to my healthy sleep schedule? In recovery, do I take the actions necessary to sustain my sobriety? And...

Stages of Change Series – Part 5: Action

Addiction, Recovery

We all go through stages when we’re changing anything significant in our lives. Think about the last time you decided to pursue a new job. There was a period before you even considered it – when everything was satisfactory at your job (precontemplation)....

Stages of Change Series – Part 4: Preparation

Addiction, Recovery

When someone you care about is struggling with addiction, it’s helpful to understand the stages of change as they are applied to recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. They may bounce back and forth between the stages, but no matter who it is –...

Stages of Change Series – Part 3: Contemplation

Addiction, Recovery

When someone you care about – family member, employee, colleague, friend – is struggling with addiction, it’s helpful to understand the stages of change. They apply to anyone changing any behavior and can be applied to recovery from addiction to alcohol and...

Stages of Change Series – Part 2: Precontemplation

Addiction, Recovery

When we make a change, we progress through five different stages. They will take varying lengths of time. We may bounce back and forth among them, or never move beyond one of the stages, but they’re predictable. When someone you care about – family member,...