Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment

Millions of people in the United States live with substance use disorder (SUD). Substance abuse and addiction can negatively impact every aspect of your life and require comprehensive treatment.

Addiction often has physical, emotional, and behavioral roots. Using specific therapies can help people identify and overcome the underlying aspects of substance abuse and move forward.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a type of mental health therapy used during addiction treatment. This article will give you an overview of motivational interviewing for addiction treatment. You will learn:

Reach out to the specialists at the Carolina Center for Recovery to learn about motivational interviewing. You may schedule an intake or ask questions, too. Take the first step toward a healthier future by contacting us today.

Motivational Interviewing: An Overview

Motivational interviewing is a unique form of psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people develop and strengthen their desire to make positive changes. Mental health professionals may use MI techniques to increase internal motivation for people living with SUD.

Here is an overview of the principles of MI.

Motivation comes from within

A person’s desire to change must come from their own beliefs and values, not external threats or encouragement. When people feel personally inspired to change, it can lead to meaningful progress.

Only the client can resolve ambivalence

MI teaches that people must develop a desire to change their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. A counselor can only guide a client, but cannot inspire them to change.

The counselor must work gently

Counselors work to preserve a healthy, positive relationship with their clients. Counselors ask questions and share observations. They do not push, persuade, or judge.

The counselor is a guide

The counselor is not responsible for their client’s motivation. This motivation must come from within the client. The counselor gently calls attention to the client’s lack of motivation. Then, the client can acknowledge and resolve it. Motivational interviewing helps people gain confidence in their ability to change.

Willingness to change can fluctuate

People’s interest and motivation in changing may fluctuate. Recovery is a journey, and there may be some twists and turns along the way.

Motivational interviewing is different from other types of behavioral therapies. Instead of directing change and providing motivation, the counselor supports the client in working toward their unique goals.

The client is in control of their motivation and change. As a result, this type of therapy works for people who choose to seek treatment and those who must attend court-ordered rehab.

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What Happens in Motivational Interviewing Sessions?

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based therapy that depends on a client’s relationship with the counselor. In this approach, the client and counselor grow to trust one another. The counselor supports their clients’ vision of the future instead of directing people toward certain outcomes.

Here is an overview of some motivational interviewing techniques.

Engaging

One of the most critical principles of motivational interviewing is rapport between client and counselor. The counselor expresses empathy, asks open-ended questions, and practices reflective listening. These practices can build a trusting, open relationship between the counselor and client.

Focusing

Motivational interviewing uses some aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The counselor may gently guide the client at some stages of therapy. They may bring the client’s attention to patterns they are noticing or return focus on behaviors the client wants to change.

Evoking

The counselor focuses on recognizing the client’s desire to change. The client and counselor may discuss why change is necessary and important. The counselor works to increase the client’s self-confidence and trust in their ability to change.

Planning

The client and counselor work together to develop a strategy to accomplish the client’s goals.

At each stage of recovery, the counselor responds to the client’s fluctuating motivation levels. The counselor understands that having more or less motivation is simply part of a natural recovery process.

Throughout treatment, the counselor aims to identify and support the client’s motivation to change. However, the counselor does not actively motivate the client. Instead, all motivation to change must come from within the client.

The Benefits of Using MI During Treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of therapeutic approaches before using them during addiction treatment. People have varying needs and it is important to find the right type of therapy for each person.

There are many benefits to using MI during SUD treatment. Some of the most significant benefits include:

• Helping people understand and accept their unique recovery journey
• Increasing people’s own motivation to change
• Helping people identify ambivalence toward change and recovery
• Allowing people to identify their own strengths
• Increasing self-confidence

Motivational interviewing can be an effective therapy in a short-term setting like an addiction rehab program. If you are interested in learning more about motivational interviewing, reach out to the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, effective treatment is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Our compressive treatment programs and dedicated specialists can help you overcome addiction and work toward a healthier future.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Motivational Interviewing: An Evidence-Based Approach for Use in Medical Practice
2. Science Direct: Using motivational interviewing and brief action planning for adopting and maintaining positive health behaviors
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Applying Motivational Interviewing Strategies to Enhance Organizational Readiness and Facilitate Implementation Efforts