In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-1993
Abstract
How people intentionally change addictive behaviors with and without treatment is not well understood by behavioral scientists. This article summarizes research on self-initiated and professionally facilitated change of addictive behaviors using the key transtheoretical constructs of stages and processes of change. Modification of addictive behaviors involves progression through five stages-precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance-and individuals typically recycle through these stages several times before termination of the addiction. Multiple studies provide strong support for these stages as well as for a finite and common set of change processes used to progress through the stages. Research to date supports a transtheoretical model of change that systematically integrates the stages with processes of change from diverse theories of psychotherapy. © 1993 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Addictions Nursing
Volume
5
Issue
1
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Prochaska, James O., Carlo C. Diclemente, and John C. Norcross. "In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors." Journal of Addictions Nursing 5, 1 (1993): 2-16. doi: 10.3109/10884609309149692.