Use of the Transtheoretical Model for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Because of the interactive nature between their mental disorder and their substance-use disorder, individuals with co-occurring disorders may experience factors that complicate behavioral change, such as considering abstinence from alcohol and drugs. This study examined the relationships between the stages-of-change and the processes of change, constructs of the Transtheoretical Model by Prochaska and DiClemente. There was partial support for the theory. The findings suggest that individuals with co-occurring disorders require support and clinical interventions throughout the entire change process.