Contemplation is the stage in which people intend to change in the next six months. They are aware of the benefits of change but are also aware of the costs . This balance between the costs and benefits of changing can keep people stuck in this stage for long periods of time.
They will say things like “I may take drugs, but my friends take more. I’m not an addict, I can quit when I want to.” They may waiver between contemplation and pre-contemplation.
This stage may take a couple of weeks or it could take a lifetime. There is much procrastination. But it can be a time of anticipation, anxiety, action and excitement. The people at this stage are not ready for a recovery programme.