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  • Mar 21
  • 2 min read

Stages of Change- Opioids


Change Begins with Awareness

Making changes around pain medication or opioid use can feel complex. These medications are often started for real physical pain, which can make it harder to notice when use begins to shift. Feeling unsure or conflicted about change is a very normal experience.

A Process, Not a Quick Fix

When working on reducing or stopping opioid use, people often move through these stages:

1. Precontemplation (Not ready) “I don’t see a problem. This helps my pain.”

2. Contemplation (Thinking about it) “Maybe I should cut back. I don’t want to depend on this.”

3. Preparation (Getting ready) “I’ll talk to my doctor and look at safe options.”

4. Action (Taking steps) “I’ve started a plan and reduced my use.”

5. Relapse (Slipping back) “I had a setback and used again.”

6. Maintenance (Continuing forward) “I feel healthier and I’m staying consistent.”

Each stage is part of the journey.


A Gentle Reminder

Change does not mean doing it perfectly. It means staying engaged, asking for support, and continuing forward—even after setbacks.


The infographic below shows how change can look when working through opioid use. Notice how thoughts and feelings evolve at each stage.


Reflection

  • Where am I right now in this process?

  • What is one small step I can take today?

Support, patience, and small steps can lead to meaningful change.


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