Stages of change described This stage model is not prescriptive, nor should it be used as an assessment. It offers a general description of where a peer may be in the change process. There are five stages: • Pre-contemplation. In this stage, the peer is not considering making a change regarding a specific substance or mental health challenge. The status quo is fine. There is no perception that a problem exists. • Contemplation. Here, the peer begins thinking about change. There may be some perception that a problem exists. The hallmark of this stage is that the peer may experience ambivalence or feel two ways about change: on one hand, there are some benefits to the current status quo (advantages), and on the other hand, there are some downsides (disadvantages). The peer’s ambivalence may be resolved on the side of no change (return to pre-contemplation) or on the side of change (progress to preparation). • Preparation. In this stage, the peer has resolved ambivalence and a decision is made to move forward. Planning for change has begun which can involve identifying supports, recovery resources, coping strategies, and other recovery-oriented activities. • Action. Preparation and planning sets the stage for action. Here the initiation of change happens. For substance use, change could mean reducing use (example: cutting down on the frequency or quantity), stopping use (example: taking a break), changing another aspect of substance use. • Maintenance. Change is initiated in action, and during this stage, the peer stays the course. Maintenance involves settling into new routines of recovery. The successful coping strategies and supports developed earlier are refined. Stages of change insights The stages of change offer several insights into providing effective peer support. • Pre-contemplation or not thinking about change is a valid stage in the change process. There should not be an implication of deficits for a peer who is not considering change. Moreover, contemplating change and experiencing ambivalence is a normal, expected part of the change process. • Stages of change are not linear. They are cyclical. People can cycle through from one stage to another, return to earlier stages, then continue forward in an ongoing learning process. • Relapse or return to the status quo is a normal part of the change process. From this perspective, relapse is simply a temporary setback. The peer may need to
180
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online