It’s often overlooked but ‘Maintaining" change is sometimes harder than making changes. It is important to support students who have made changes to ensure that the change is long-lasting.

There are two things to focus on here:

  • Avoiding complacency
  • Focusing on the future

After change appears to have become permanent, individuals are at risk as they begin to assume that lapsing back into the behaviour simply will not happen. And it may not, but it is good to be prepared for the bad days and to remember the ingredients for change. To a help a young person who has already made changes:

  1. Check out the YoDAA self-help articles for young people
  2. Filter the ones for a young person who is wanting to cut down or stop.
  3. Use these articles and worksheets as guides and resources to help the young person.
Maintaining" change is sometimes harder than making changes

Only use articles or resources that resonate with the young person.

You might also find this article about the environmental factors that promote change useful and remember to talk to YoDAA for info and advice on how to best help a young person.