5: Working Towards a Model Recovery

Models of behavioural change provide a framework for researchers and practitioners to understand the processes involved in behaviour modification. They help explain how change is realised and can be used in the design of interventions that support health-related change and the identification of factors that are important in the process (Barley & Lawson, 2016). There are several well-established theoretical models for this, some of which suit specific groups better than others (Hagger et al., 2020). Understanding which to use in context of the transition from addiction to recovery is important in finding ways to support the process.

Most models recognise the importance of personal responsibility. For example, in the theory of planned behaviour and the health belief model, an individual builds a case for change by assessing its pros and cons. Some models consider the role of past behaviour in the process, for instance, temporal self-regulation theory sees the propensity to return to familiar ways as significant, and the transtheoretical model (TTM) advises that comprehension matures with contemplation of negative behavioural affect. The time frame for change as well as the cognitive adaptation required are another two factors featured in some models, for example, self-determination theory suggests that meaningful action requires a level of self-evaluated wisdom to guide a person towards change, and temporal self-regulation suggests there is an optimum time for change where the long-term benefit of change is measured against short-term gain (Barley & Lawson, 2016; Hagger et al., 2020).