Chemical Dependency Counselor Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the context of the stages of change model, pre-contemplation is the stage where individuals are not considering change and may be unaware of their problematic behaviors. People in this stage often do not see their substance use as a problem and therefore do not envision any need for change. This lack of awareness or acknowledgment can stem from various reasons, such as denial, lack of knowledge about the effects of their behavior, or even a belief that others are overreacting.

In contrast, the other stages—action, maintenance, and preparation—reflect various levels of readiness to change. During the action stage, individuals actively modify their behavior and environment to address their issues. The maintenance stage involves sustaining those changes and preventing relapse. The preparation stage is when individuals are planning for change and may be gathering resources or support.

Understanding these stages helps in developing appropriate counseling strategies tailored to the individual's readiness to change. Recognizing that someone is in the pre-contemplation stage is crucial for counselors as they develop intervention strategies that can help raise awareness and encourage the consideration of change.