Stages of behavior change

When people try to change their behavior (in this case people with alcohol and drugs addiction), they go through the stages of behavior change. These stages are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. It is very important to understand these stages and know which one of them you are currently in.

In the first stage (pre-contemplation), a person is often not aware that there is a problem nor ready to change behavior. The second phase (contemplation)  brings an awareness that the problem exists, but there is still no strong decision that something needs to be changed. This phase can take a very long time.

Preparation phase means that the addict has moved forward and wants to get out of his addictive behavior. Action phase, which is often stressful, brings a real change in behavior. For many addicts, the action phase begins at a rehab clinic or by seeking help from an addiction specialist. Finally, the maintenance phase means that a person manages to refrain from the addiction.

Ask for help

Once the addicts acknowledge that they may have a problem, they may not be ready or sure that want to do something about it. When people seek help for alcohol and drugs addiction for themselves or their loved ones, they may be concerned about the stigma associated with addictions. They may feel ashamed or afraid that they may come across as weak. As having no willpower, or not being able to control their urges. Or seeing themselves as bad, stupid, or crazy.

Alcohol and Drugs Addiction gradually takes control

Initially, many people used alcohol and substances recreationally. Others used alcohol and drugs to help them deal with their emotional and psychological difficulties. Somewhere along the line, for many drugs had stopped working and alcohol became a rapacious predator, who took everything from them.

Don’t let addiction take away everything from you!

Forty-one years ago, I was one of those people. When alcohol took control of my life,  I became a homeless person for three years in the streets of New York.  Alcohol took every semblance of humaneness from me. It made me destitute, it made me morally and spiritually bankrupt.

Addiction help is available

Helpless and hopeless, I gathered some strength to walk to the hospital for mentally ill people, hoping that they would lock me up for good. However, a good doctor told me that I was not insane, but that I had a drinking problem. Somebody had extended me a helping hand when I needed it and that made all the difference.

I have not had a drink for 41 years. There is hope. Most of you who are reading this and looking for help, do not have to go down as low as I did. But if you do not give yourself a chance, you inevitably will have to.

If you have any questions or concerns about your situation, if you want to get rid of the hell of addiction, get in touch and I will help you.