As you learned in lecture this week, Prochaska and DiClemente's Transtheoretical Model of Change (the stages of change model) is often utilized to determine a person's readiness to change an unhealthy behavior. This week's lecture also highlighted how drug use can progress through a variety of stages (from experimentation to dependent use and addiction). Keep these models in mind as you review the following case study:

Case Study: Bryan is a 26-year-old Caucasian male. Bryan and his wife are newly married. Bryan's wife only recently discovered the extent of his drinking and asked him to get help. At the request of his wife, Bryan presented to an outpatient treatment facility for an assessment. When Bryan met with his counselor for the first time, his counselor asked him "What brings you in today?" Bryan responded by saying the following: "I am here today because my wife is worried about my drinking. I drink every night of the week after work. I drink 4-5 beers to relax after a long day. I get up every morning and go to work. I am never hungover, so I do not see a problem with this. She is mad about my drinking and we fight a lot about it. She says that when I drink my personality changes. She also is worried about my health. Maybe it is a problem. I mean I can see where I have gained some weight and I do not sleep as good as I used to, but I don't know. Is having a few beers to relax a problem?!"

Use the case study above, your understanding of the stages of change model, and your knowledge of the stages of drug use to address the following prompts in your initial post:

• Identify the areas of Bryan's life that are being affected by his alcohol use.
• Explain what stage of substance use Bryan is in. Use information from the case study to support your reasoning.
  • Remember, the possible stages are: experimental use, social use, regular use, harmful use, and dependent use.
• Indicate what stage of change Bryan presents in. Use evidence from the case study to justify your rationale.
• Given the stage of change Bryan is in, predict whether you think he will be successful in changing his behavior. What shifts in behavior or thinking do you think are most realistic or reasonable given Bryan's current stage of change?