Question

List and describe the stages of change and their application to substance abuse treatment

Answer 1

there are 3 stages iof the treatment to substance abuse. these depend on the condition of the clients, therepeutic strategies and its characteristics. in the early stages the clients are emotionally week, resistant to treatent as well as ambivalent to chemicals. the treatment thus focuses on achievement of abstinence, preventing the relapse and managing cravings. in the middle stage the client is ready for action against this addiction. hence this stage involves making them understand that they are losing the opportunities because of their addiction to drugs as well guidance for managing their lives and understanding the emotions. in the later stages the client the client focuses on managing their lives in a positive light. this stage focuses on maintaining the treatment gains, reducing the risks as well as maintaining a positive life for the client.

EARLY STAGE OF TREATMENT-

during this stage the client is in the early action stage of change. the client is slightly tilted towards the treatment but mostly against it and have tiny interest in getting treated. here the client needs to actually divert his mind to solve problems which is very difficult as recovering from the addiction of drug is strenous. people are not self motivated to enter the treatment rather they enter it due to some health issues and other peoples advice. the therapy invoves generating hope for getting better in the client, making them understand that they are not alone and other people are also in the same condition, impart information about the treatment, making them imitrate behavior of a positive behaviors of others, gaining more self esteem, making them cohesive to group, and making them learn things interpersonally.
MIDDLE STAGE TREATMENT-

This is the action stage. they need assistance in maintaining behavioral changes throughtout this stage. they experience decreased blood flow and metabolic changes in brain of clients. cognitive capacity usually turns to normal but still the mind can play around and client can return to drug addiction. therapy involves enhancing self knowledge, enhancing identification and cohesion. the clients are motivated towards change. the main goal is to make clients think that the problems in life are caused by the substance intake.

LATER STAGE TREATMENT-

during this tage the client tends to be sustainable to the action stage. people learn to avoid the tempting chemical and tend to work on the new positive behaviors. the people focus on their personal and family issues so as to emerge with a positive life ahead. therapy involves focus on relational interaction. clients begin to engage better in their lives and emotional as well as cognitive stage. they engage in existential concerns and deal effectively with family, social and health issues.