According to the stages of change model then,
- Change is subject to time and does not occur in one isolated event.
- These stages are recognizable and contain certain ‘principles of change’ such as decisional balance (weighing up pros and cons).
- If we try to push people through the change process too quickly they will be unable to progress adequately as the principles of change have been ignored.
- Sometimes, the first thing we have to do in treating addiction is raise the person’s awareness and help them accept that they have a problem. This comes BEFORE action.
- With addiction, self-efficacy also includes reaching out to others (such as a support group) to make oneself accountable and make the addictive behavior transparent.
Exercise 2: Turn to your workbook and complete the Case Study exercise