133 - 5 Stages of Change

Here we are with Real Recovery Talk! Let's find out what the five stages of change are and how you could be enabling your loved one to stay addicted to drugs and alcohol. Addicts can transfer from one stage to another daily. There are many different factors in the addict's life, which will play into what stage the addict is currently experiencing. This episode is not only for those who are addicted but for the loved ones, friends, and family who have a role in the addict's life.

Stage #1: Precontemplation Stage

The addict is clueless about their behavior, how their behavior affects others around them and is perplexed about why the people around them are responding to them in the manner in which they see. The addict does not even register that they have an issue and will usually give excuses about their behavior or think their behavior is in the normal range of socially acceptable behavior.

Stage #2: Contemplation Stage

The addicts look at their behavior and think their possibly could be a problem with their behavior. They may see room for change. However, they aren't ready to make that change at this stage. The addict can start to see a daily pattern in their addiction. The person isn't convinced they have a problem when they are going through this stage.

Stage #3: Understanding the Problem

For drug addicts and alcoholics to get to this stage can take multiple years of the same destructive behavior day after day to recognize that this behavior is a problem. They realize their tolerance to drugs, alcohol has increased, and their problem is affecting their work and family life. Poor habits such as not eating, not sleeping, or not bathing are regular daily choices. Health is on the decline, and they understand this behavior is negatively affecting them. At this stage, they know they have a problem and see the evidence of their behavior.

Stage #4: Action Stage

At this stage, the addict realizes they have an issue and start to make changes. They may realize they need to check themselves into treatment or start to attend a support group. At this point, the addict needs support, as this stage takes a large amount of willpower. The addict will start to understand the reason behind their addiction. Next, they can attend therapy to work through the healing process. For the family member, you now have the opportunity to learn about addiction and how to properly support your child or family member in their newfound recovery.

Stage #5: Maintenance Stage

Find support groups, mentors, and others who will positively support you and your family. This stage can last for years and does not have a specific stopping point in your life. You may find a therapist who you trust and rely on to help you through your healing journey.

Listen in to find out why you need to draw boundaries around addicts and how boundaries can move the addict through to the fourth and fifth stages of recovery. Find out why it's so important to learn about addiction and why you should find others who are in a similar position to you to learn from them what to expect and how you can support your child or loved one.

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Show Notes:

• [04:33] Addictive habits including eating, power-lifting, drugs and alcohol.
• [06:38] Stage #1, the Precontemplation stage explained.
• [07:55] Stage #2, Contemplation stage and the behavior of the addict in this stage.
• [10:10] Stage #3, Understanding the problem and how the addict comes to this point.
• [13:50] Addicts can move through one or more of these stages on the same day.
• [16:13] Ways parents, friends and family members enable drug and alcohol addicts.
• [18:28] How enabling addicts to be able to function is negatively impacting their route to recovery.
• [20:10] Stage #4, the Action Stage where the behavior change starts.
• [24:04] Learn how you can support your loved one through their Action Stage.
• [25:07] Stage #5, the Maintenance Stage will last for a long time and usually involve support groups and mentors.
• [26:37] The Relapse Stage and why people relapse back into addictive behavior.
• [29:37] Contact us with questions or comments if you or a loved one need help!

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