In this stage a person has not yet considered change within the next 6 months. The person may have previously failed, or may avoid the topic.
This stage includes the acknowledgment of a problem and consideration regarding making a change. Though the person may not be ready to fully commit, plans may be verbalized indicating a change timeframe within the next 6 months.
This stage may involve small behavioral changes with actions intended to occur within the immediate future.
The active implementation of cognitive and behavioral strategies to enact a health change. One prevalent feature of this stage includes the commitment of time and energy
Integration of newly adopted behaviors with the intent of avoiding relapse. This stage continues until a person no longer experiences temptation, which is estimated to last between 6 months and 5 years, and in certain situations, forever.
Ultimate goal, in which the person has achieved complete confidence that the behavior is no longer considered a problem.