Evidence-Based Practice Proposal - Section F: Evaluation of Process In 500-750 words, develop an evaluation plan to be included in your final evidence-based practice project. Provide the following c

Running head: The Transtheoretical Model 1







The Transtheoretical Model-Breaking the Substance Abuse Cycle

















THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL-BREAKING THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE CYCLE

The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change Model), was developed and its evolution began in the mid to late 1970’s by psychologist James O. Prochaska, PhD. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is a model of intentional change, where as other models of change behavior focus specifically on certain dimensions of change (Frenz, 2015). TTM is based on three major components: Process of change which includes the six stages of change- precontemplation, contemplation, preparation/determination, action/willpower, maintenance and relapse, decisional balance and self-efficacy (Prochange.com, 2018).

TTM of behavior change has become almost universally accepted in addiction treatment (Frenz, 2015). TTM includes principles and processes of change from leading theories of counseling and behavior change. This model includes over thirty-five of scientific research, scores of empirical studies and intervention developments. There has been more than eighty million dollars in grants allocated to this research and participants in the research exceeded more than one hundred fifty thousand participants. This model is utilized by professionals all over the world (Prochange.com, 2018).

TTM 6 Stages of Change

Precontemplation for change involves individuals that do not intend on taking immediate action to change negative or self-destructive behaviors in the near future. The may feel that have a time frame of weeks to months to initiate self-help. There are several reasons the individual may become stagnant in this stage. They could not fully understanding the negative consequences of their behavior and the harm than can be cause from such behavior. They could have tried on numerous occasions to attempt a behavior change with failure to stop negative behavior. They could just become resistant to change, not motivated to try another attempt and not understand or be in denial with the immediate need for help (Prochange.com, 2018).

Contemplation for change begins when an individual is ready for change. They are aware of the immediate need for change. The benefits achieved from change. This stage can be lingering due to behavioral procrastination. They are not quite ready to commit fully to the desired behavioral change (Prochange.com, 2018).

Preparation or Immediate Readiness occurs when the individual has taken into consideration past actions and behaviors and they are implementing a new immediate plan of action. These individuals are self -motivated and are ready to put their behavioral change plans into action (Prochange.com, 2018).

Action occurs when the individual has made positive modifications to their lifestyle. Action can be observable but in TTM all modifications are not considered actions. A specific criteria has to be set to reduce the risk of your addiction relapse (Prochange.com, 2018).

Maintenance occurs when the individual has made drastic and therapeutic changes in their lifestyle. The individual is diligently trying to prevent relapse. In this stage relapse is not prevalent. The person could have a boost of confidence and self fulfilment with recent behavior changes in their life. This stage could last from months to years (Prochange.com, 2018).

Relapse can occur after individual has become stagnant and complacent with level of behavioral change. The person can feel they have been compliant with lifestyle changes and a minor relapse will not hurt their progression. If relapse occurs, triggers need to be identified and behavioral modifications need to be initiated with the preparation, action or maintenance stages of behavior change. Ultimately if a person received termination there is no desire to return to their unhealthy behaviors and optimal goal is not to relapse. This stage is rarely reached. Most individuals with addiction remain in the maintenance stage therefore, this stage of termination is not considered in health promotion programs (Prochange.com, 2018).

TTM has been described as the best change process for people to overcome addiction. The stages in this model can be applied to a wide range of adverse behaviors that people want to change or overcome. This model is well recognized for its success for treating individuals with a multitude of addictions. This model was developed from extensive research observing how change can occur in a natural recovery from many addictions and has been preferred as opposed to confrontational and pathological approaches. This model gears toward motivational and person-centered approaches (Hartney, 2016).

During the precontemplation stage expectant substance abuse women are not wanting to stop there drug use and do not want to acknowledge the harmful effects to their unborn child. In the contemplation stage, expectant substance abuse women have the realization of a human being growing inside of them. They could possibly be seeking prenatal care or beginning some form of medical care, viewing sonograms, listening to heartbeats and being encouraged by nurses and other health care staff. They could be possibly be receiving educational material on the dangers of drug use to unborn babies and preventive methods. The preparation stage for the expectant substance abuse woman gives them the realization they have another life to think about and responsible for the well-being of this baby. They are considering the benefits of being free of drugs while pregnant and not causing detriment to the unborn baby. During the action stage the expectant substance abuse woman could be participating in drug screenings, attending doctors’ appointments, seeking shelters, eating a balanced diet and reaching out for interventions and drug programs to deter relapse. The mothers could receive motivation from positive wellness visits and negative drug screens. During the maintenance stage the expectant substance abuse women are regularly passing drug screens, receiving assistance for housing, food, transportation, being active with drug treatment program, being compliant with any state laws, avoiding criminal charges and being uplifted with less negativity and stigma. The mothers could remain in this stage until delivery and postpartum or longer. Relapse could occur after delivery and during postpartum when mothers are receiving less attention and possibly newborn receiving more attention. Mothers could possibly feel they can stop attending interventions or treatment programs (Treatment, et al., 2015)


References

Frenz, D. A. (2015). Does the Transtheoretical Model of Change Work for Addiction?.

[online] Psych Central Professional. Retrieved from

https://pro.psychcentral.com/does-the-transtheoretical-model-of-change-work-for-

addiction/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 202].

Hartney, E. (2016). The Different Stages of How to Overcome Addiction. [online] Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stages-of-change-model-of-overcoming-addiction-21961 [Accessed 26 Feb. 2020].

Prochange.com. (2018). Transtheoretical Model (or Stages of Change)- Health Behavior

Change. [online] Retrieved from

https://www.prochange.com/transtheoretical-model-of-behavior-change

[Accessed 26 Feb. 2020].

Treatment, A., Rehab, C., Month, A., Health, S., Treatment, W., Drinking, H., Activities, 6., Activities, 6., Drinking, A., Addiction, 3. and Groups, M. (2015). Applying the “Stages of Change” Model to Drug Addiction Treatment. [online] Two Dreams Addiction Recovery. Retrieved from https://twodreams.com/dream-journal/198-applying-the-stages-of-change-model-to-drug-addiction-treatment [Accessed 26 Feb. 2020].