Addiction: Prochaskas 6 Stage Model

Question 1

What is Prochaskas six stage model?

Answer 1

• Prochaskas six stage model of behaviour change explains that quitting addiction is a process which happens in six stages.
• However, the progression through these stages isn’t necessarily linear.

Question 2

What are the Six stages of Prochaskas model?

Answer 2

1. Pre-contemplation: the individual is not thinking of changing their behaviour in the near future (6 months). They may be aware of their unhealthy behaviour or in denial.
   — specific treatment is not effective at this stage. Intervention should focus on providing information and advice.
2. Contemplation: the individual is thinking about changing their behaviour in the near future (within 6 months) but have not yet decided they will definitely act. They are still weighing up the costs and benefits of taking action. — specific treatment will not be effective at this stage. Information and advice should be the basis for any intervention.
3. Preparation: the individual has decided the benefits outweigh the costs and decides to act, sometime in the next month. However, they haven’t worked out what they should do to change their behaviour. Relapse is still a concern. — effective intervention should focus on constructing a plan. Professionals such as GPs may help here as would other sources of guidance. (Eg support groups).
4. Action: the individual has done something within the last 6 months to change their behaviour. The action taken must be meaningful enough to actually reduce their risk. Relapse is still a concern. — specific treatment will be useful at this stage. Effective intervention will focus on developing coping skills.
5. Maintenance: the individual has maintained some change of their behaviour for more than 6 months. This is accompanied by a growing confidence that they can maintain this change. Their focus is on maintaining the change (eg through avoiding secondary cues that could trigger relapse). Relapse is still a concern. — specific treatments will be useful at this stage. Effective intervention will focus on developing coping skills.
6. Termination: the newly learnt behaviours have become automatic. The person is no longer feeling tempted by their addiction and they have complete confidence in their ability to maintain the change. Relapse may still be possible, but is no longer a concern. — specific treatments will be useful at this stage. Effective intervention will focus on developing coping skills.
7. Terminal

Question 3

Comparison of Termination and Action.

Answer 3

Action:
- Action take
- Commitment to quit
- Intervention involves treatment
- Relapse is an issue
Termination:
- Action taken
- Commitment to quit
- Intervention not necessary
- Relapse is no longer an issue