Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment
Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment
Motivational Interviewing (MI) attempts to get a drug addict or alcoholic to change their destructive behaviors. It is a therapeutic technique which addresses a person’s addiction and substance misuse. MI works by improving the strength of an individual and their motivation to reach a goal11.K. M. Carroll, S. A. Ball, C. Nich, S. Martino, T. L. Frankforter, C. Farentinos, L. E. Kunkel, S. K. Mikulich-Gilbertson, J. Morgenstern, J. L. Obert, D. Polcin, N. Snead, G. E. Woody and F. T. National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network, Motivational interviewing to improve treatment engagement and outcome in individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse: A multisite effectiveness study – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2386852/.
In this case, the goal is to stay sober and to remain committed to clean living free of substance misuse. Often times, treatment centers and therapists find that clients lack a motivation to quit their destructive behavior. MI enables a person to uncover why their addiction started and to deal with the trauma and issues that may have created substance misuse in the first place.
Living substance-free can be a daunting task for an individual. Although they face financial, social, legal, and physical and mental health issues by using alcohol and drugs, they depend on these substances to get by on a daily basis. Giving up drugs and alcohol can feel like an impossible task in spite of the negative consequences they create. This creates a lack of motivation that cannot be overcome by addicts.
Some individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol see sobriety as an impossible target. Whether it is too difficult a target to reach or they are not ready to stop using drugs and alcohol, addicts do not want to seek help. Stopping drug and alcohol use creates uncertainty and restricts one’s desire to rid themselves of substance abuse. MI can help a person overcome the fear of giving up drugs and alcohol.
How does Motivational Interviewing work?
Motivational Interviewing is regarded as a relatively simple procedure and can be completed in a few sessions. Motivational Interviewing focuses on the client and attempts to figure out what the individual wants, needs, and hopes to gain by quitting drugs and alcohol. It focuses on what is best for the client rather than what the therapist or counselor believes is best.
Motivational Sessions Include:
Engagement
The therapist talks to the patient about their issues, concerns, desires, and hopes. This creates a trusting relationship between both parties.
Focus
The therapist will direct the conversation and narrow it down to the topic of patterns and habits that the client wants to change.
Evoke
The therapist will talk to the client about the importance for their change in behavior and habits. They will also focus the client building confidence and show that they are ready for the change in lifestyles.
Planning
The client and therapist will create practical steps that can be implement to foster the desired changes.
Why does Motivational Interviewing work?
Motivational Interviewing focuses on a client overcoming the internal struggle they have with quitting drugs and alcohol or not quitting. Although there are clear ways to stop abusing these substances, not all addicts can or want to quit.
Clients can struggle with their decision making and that is why having motivation to stop works and keeps them from going back to a life of substance misuse22.H. Mills, [PDF] Motivational interviewing for substance abuse (Review) – Free Download PDF, [PDF] Motivational interviewing for substance abuse (Review) – Free Download PDF.; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://silo.tips/download/motivational-interviewing-for-substance-abuse-review.
Clients can lose motivation to stop abusing drugs and alcohol, but with the right techniques, a therapist or counselor can use Motivational Interviewing to create long-term sobriety.
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