Why Early-Stage Rehabilitation for Addiction May Not Be Effective: A Critical Look at Readiness for Change
Addiction to substances and gambling is a complex disorder influenced by neurobiology, psychology, and social factors. While treatment facilities offer structured environments and evidence-based interventions, research indicates that entering rehabilitation prematurely—especially when an individual is not personally committed to change—can result in poor outcomes. This article explores why early-stage rehab may not be beneficial and outlines more effective alternatives based on scientific evidence. The Role of Readiness in Treatment Success Decades of research suggest that motivation is a critical predictor of recovery success (DiClemente & Velasquez, 2002). The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM), developed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983), identifies five stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Individuals in the precontemplation or contemplation stages—who are unaware of or ambivalent about their addiction—are unlikely ...