Addictions,and,The,Change,Proc DIY Addictions and The Change Process

When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in

Ceasing an addiction such as smoking, drinking or drug use necessitates a person to go through predictable stages of change. Since Prochaska and DiClemente’s hallmark research in 1982, these stages have been extensively scientifically validated. It is not often that a person is able to successfully cease their addiction after going through these stages only once. Typically people make several attempts to change before ceasing for good. For example, after several attempts a person may give up smoking for five years, only to start smoking again during a divorce and have to cease smoking all over again.It is useful to be able to identify a person’s exact stage of change because targeted strategies can successfully aid change. Inaccurate identification of a person’s stage of change can cause rehabilitation to be unsuccessful – for example, the person may become resistant to change and may become more determined to sustain the feel-good behaviour if they feel pressure to give up their addiction. The six stages of change and a few examples of targeted strategies to give up an addiction are listed below:PrecontemplationThe precontemplation stage is marked by denial and avoidance of negative effects of the behaviour. There is no motivation to change, and the person is merely aware of the positive effects of the addiction. People generally dispute the harmful effects of their behaviour by saying something like “Gran smoked 30 cigarettes a day and she lived to be 94!”.A wake-up call, like an alcoholic being confronted with the fact that his mate had a serious crash while drink-driving, is the most compelling influence to change. Going to see the GP for a health check can act as a stimulus for change. Alternatively you can talk about the proven health, relationship or vocational consequences of the behaviour (i.e., liver, lover, livelihood). It is useful to ask “What would have to take place to show you that this behaviour is having a negative effect on your life?”. Try to gently persuade the person to tell you the reasons why they should cease their behaviour and avoid giving advice or being pushy. Be conscious of the proverb “I learn what I believe as I hear myself speak”. ContemplationThis stage is marked by uncertainty, procrastination and fence-sitting as the person begins to cast doubt on their current beliefs. People re-evaluate the damaging effects of their behaviour and the benefits of change. The costs of change usually appear to be [high|considerable|significant. People might alter their behaviour in the next six months.Try to encourage people in the contemplation stage to weigh up the pros and cons of their addiction. It is essential that you are supportive of all desires and endeavours to minimise the behaviour or quit, regardless of how successful they are. Ensure that you remain non-judgemental because confrontation may trigger resistance and relapse. PreparationDuring the preparation stage the possibility of change happening within the next few weeks is substantial. During this stage people realise that the benefits of change outweigh the costs, bringing about a plan of action and hesitant steps in the right direction.Remain calm, positive and optimistic during this stage. Help research treatment options and be available to talk. It is worthwhile to offer to make initial contact with the program which is most suitable for the person – for example, if a person with an alcohol addiction feels they can only manage ‘one step at a time’, joining an AA group might be the best option for them.ActionHard work is very much in progress throught this stage, and change is seen as being beneficial with little or no costs. It is likely that you will notice distinct changes in thoughts and beliefs. It is beneficial to assist the person to get to therapy sessions and reflect on these sessions – you can help by organising transport to therapy sessions, discussing any issues raised in therapy and positively reinforcing efforts to quit. Encourage family members and friends to be part of the therapy process – for example they may be interested in attending therapy sessions, gathering information or keeping progress records.MaintenanceThis stage is characterised by a rising level of certainty that change can be sustained. This stage normally lasts between six months and five years, and the temptation to relapse is less persistent during this period of time.Continue to reinforce behavioural changes as the person practises, consolidates and internalises the new behaviours. It is imperative to provide assistance to the person’s family and friends in order to assist in maintaining change.TerminationThe final stage of change indicates a absolute and permanent recovery as the addiction has gone for good, without any temptation to relapse, ever. It is more than likely that it will take quite a few years to reach this stage!