A 35-year-old woman is being managed for cocaine use disorder over a period of three years. Her readiness to modify her substance use behavior fluctuates over time. According to the Transtheoretical Model of Change, arrange the following patient statements in the expected chronological progression from the earliest stage of behavior change to the latest.
- 1"I don't have a problem; my occasional use doesn't affect my job, and everyone is overreacting."
- 2"I know it is damaging my health, but it is the only way I can cope with my severe stress right now."
- 3"I have deleted my dealer's number from my phone and scheduled an intake appointment at a local rehabilitation center."
- 4"I have successfully attended an intensive outpatient program and remained entirely abstinent for the past month."
- 5"I have not used any substances for two years and have developed healthy coping strategies when cravings arise."
Answer
The correct chronological progression through the Stages of Change is: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and finally Maintenance.
The Transtheoretical Model of Change describes a sequential process of behavioral modification, particularly useful in assessing a patient's readiness for substance use disorder treatment. The stages progress from Precontemplation (not recognizing the problem), to Contemplation (recognizing the problem but ambivalent about change), to Preparation (intending to take action and taking small steps), to Action (making specific, overt modifications in lifestyle), and finally to Maintenance (working to prevent relapse and consolidate gains).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) in Substance Use Disorders