When a person develops an addiction, they go through different phases until they eventually become dependent on the drug or addictive behavior. This process can be longer or shorter, but it usually ends with an inability to control the impulses to consume. At this point, there comes a time when the addict decides to put a stop to this self-destructive behavior and seek treatment. Quitting drugs is possible. In this article, we will look at an example of models used in this detoxification process until the individual’s full recovery.
Prochaska and DiClemente’s Transtheoretical Model of Change
There are several approaches to tackling addiction treatment. One that has proven most effective is the Transtheoretical Model of Change. This model was proposed by psychologists James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente and not only describes the phases or stages of change but also provides appropriate tools for effective intervention. Basically, it explains the phases a person needs to overcome during the process of changing a problematic behavior they intend to alter.
In this process, motivation is considered the main driver of behavior change. Other factors that also influence the process are the stages of change, the process of change, the decisional balance (advantages and disadvantages), and self-confidence. On the other hand, one thing to keep in mind is that the process can have difficulties. In this sense, it is important to know that there is a risk of relapse and returning to previous stages. Therefore, it is important for patients to be aware that accepting setbacks as normal positively affects their perception of self-confidence.
Phases of the Transtheoretical Model of Change in Treatment
As we mentioned, this model consists of proposing various phases a person goes through during the addiction recovery process. Through these phases, they perform different mental and behavioral processes to gradually reach cessation of consumption. However, it should be noted that this is not a linear process, and there may be several relapses and recoveries until final detoxification is achieved.
The phases of the Transtheoretical Model of Change are:
- Precontemplation
The patient does not believe their behavior is a problem and has no intention of changing it. Therefore, they will not make changes unless forced to do so. They continue to consume and are not concerned about it.
- Method of action: In this first phase, it is important for the patient to realize the harmful effects of the drug on their health. This topic must be addressed from an educational perspective to increase the addict’s level of awareness. Furthermore, techniques that are not only informative should be used. Therefore, visualizing the experiences of addicted individuals or using techniques such as psychodrama or role-playing can be helpful.
- Contemplation
As days pass, the patient begins to realize that consumption has led to a loss of control, discomfort, or a limitation in their life. Therefore, for the first time, they begin to see that they have a problem. This second phase is characterized by the emergence of a willingness to do something to end the addiction soon, although no attempt has yet been made to do so.
- Method of action: In this situation, it is important to encourage the person to seek information and become increasingly aware of the negative effects that consumption has or may have on their life. One exercise involves having them balance the advantages and disadvantages of seeking treatment. The aim is for the addict to take an active stance towards their addiction and feel responsible for choosing whether or not to change.
- Preparation for Action
In this phase, the patient commits to changing their behavior over the next month, having attempted to stop consuming for at least one day. Furthermore, they are highly motivated to achieve this.
- Method of action: The person has decided to change, so it is time to set stable goals, being aware that quitting an addiction is not something that happens overnight. Therefore, it is necessary to be realistic and understand that it is a process that will take time.
- Action
The patient has put their commitment into practice using different techniques to avoid consumption and achieving a certain level of success.
- Method of action: This is the phase where most drug addiction treatments tend to concentrate. The treatment will largely depend on the type of substance to which one is addicted and the characteristics of the patient and their environment. The most commonly used methodology is cognitive-behavioral therapy, combined with various psychotropic drugs in this detoxification process. Another therapy that has shown great effectiveness is the community reinforcement approach, which specifically focuses on elements centered on the social environment.
- Maintenance
Finally, if abstinence has been maintained for at least six months, the patient enters the maintenance phase. Once in this phase, the goal is no longer so much to stop consuming as it is to prevent relapse. In fact, this is the phase of treatment where there is the highest probability of relapse. If it occurs, it would mean returning to previous stages and the possibility of feelings of helplessness, decreased self-esteem, and surrender to the addiction.
- Method of action: Once consumption has ceased, it is very important to establish follow-up and develop guidelines and mechanisms to prevent relapses. In this regard, it is necessary to reinforce the patient’s coping skills and sense of control and self-efficacy, as well as to control, as much as possible, exposure to environments where the substance is easily accessible.
CCAdicciones is an addiction treatment center where we have the best professionals to help you if you are addicted to any drug or have any other addiction. Contact us if you believe you need help to regain control over your life.
