Action is the stage where people have made particular changes in their life-styles within the past six months. They believe they have the ability to change their behaviour and are doing things to make a change. This is the stage where they are more likely to seek the support of others.
Action is measurable, it is not just about a change in behaviour (which is often seen as the action). But Action is only one of five stages.
Not all changes to behaviour count as action in this model. For example a smoker may have cut down, or switched to a low tar cigarette. But he must raise his game, at this stage, only total abstinence counts. There can be no half measures with alcohol or drugs.
In the Action stage he may be saying, “Getting in to this rehab has saved my life”. The Action stage is also the stage where complacency can set in, when it is vital to maintain focus, because here is the greatest risk of relapse.