Stages of Behavior Change and How to Manage Change Process

Alcohol addict

Mark has been a serious alcohol addict for about 15 years. His life has deteriorated completely. He was just out of college and landed a job in one of the best audit firms. His career was flourishing. He had a bright and great future ahead of him. As we sit in my office, the effects of alcohol can clearly be seen in his body which the impact of prolonged alcohol abuse is visible.

· He smells alcohol having indulged in the drink just after he woke up. It is a daily routine. Drinking is everything to him. His addiction is astonishing. The smell of booze oozes through my office. I ask him? Do you love drinking? He pauses for a moment then replies, “I don’t know, I just drink”. Alcohol is no fun to him. It is just a daily routine to quench the thirst for the drink. He is a serious alcohol addict.

· He has been seriously considering quitting for some time but now he seems serious. He is at the pre contemplation stage and he really needs my help to move him to the next stage of the behavior change process. It is clear that he is aware of his alcoholic problem but knowing and taking action are two completely different things. Mark has explained his addiction problem and has agreed to take the necessary steps to change. He has acknowledged and is ready to take the next step. However, he cannot go without a drink.

· The change process is far from starting. We are just at the beginning stage where Mark now understands that he has…