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Transtheoretical Model Of Behavioral Change

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There are three different styles of recovery initiations according to White and Kurtz (2006). These three styles include quantum (transformational change), conscious incremental change (stage dependent process of change), and drift (gradual reduction of usage). An addict at any point can experience any of these or all three in time. Since addiction can arise from multiple different contextual issues, such as cultural, personal, or familial, recovery experiences can become just as unique (White & Kurtz, 2006). Despite the lack of literature supporting the stages of change model deriving from the conscious incremental change style of recovery (West, 2005), it is still one of the most popular styles studied and used among researchers and clinicians …show more content…

This model consists of five different stages that include the following: Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance (DiClemente, Schlundt, & Gemmell, 2004).The main tenant of this model’s theory is that at any point in time, an individual is in a specific stage in relation to behavioral change (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1982). This model also suggests that there will always be continuity and discontinuity throughout the process of change and that the progression of stages is not always linear. In fact, it is possible for a person to go from stage one to stage three, and then back to stage one, depending on the individual’s willingness and readiness to change (DiClemente, Schlundt, & Gemmell, 2004). Therefore it is fundamental to keep in mind that although these stages of recovery are listed as numbers one through five, not all individuals going through recovery will go through these stages linearly. The first stage of recovery is preconteplation. Precontemplation is the stage where an individual who may be struggling with an addiction is not even considering make any type of behavioral change (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1982). During this stage it is not uncommon for individuals to deny there is an issue despite …show more content…

The client in this stage is no longer just thinking cognitively about making the change, but will now implement the behavioral changes and implement new positive behaviors (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1982). It is not uncommon for clients in this stage to relapse back into old behavioral patterns, which can mean that a new revision of their behavioral chart or plan may be needed. Mental health providers during this stage should provide encouragement to clients that are actively making changes, but it is up to the clients to give the effort in order to make the behavioral changes (DiClemente, Schlundt, & Gemmell, 2004). By allowing the client to take charge of conducting their own behavioral change process, it allows the client autonomy and uniqueness within their recovery

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