Millions of people in the United States live with substance abuse or addiction. These conditions can profoundly impact a person’s health, emotional well-being, relationships, and other aspects of their lives. Most people with substance use disorder (SUD) require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to overcome it.

Mental health practitioners use a variety of evidence-based behavioral therapies to help people get and stay sober. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is one evidence-based counseling approach that may help people sustain commitment throughout recovery.

This article will explore how Motivational Interviewing helps people recover from addiction.

If you or someone you love lives with SUD, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our addiction rehab and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to increasing motivation during addiction recovery. Practitioners may also use this approach to help people with mental health conditions. It also benefits those wanting to improve a specific area of their life. This might include people looking to improve school attendance, health, or other personal goals.

Drs. William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick developed MI using some principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Miller and Rollnick created this approach to help people with addiction change destructive behaviors. They intended MI to be goal-oriented and collaborative, meaning the client and practitioner work together as equals.

Here are some of the core principles of MI.

The counselor is a guide

The counselor supports the client’s goals instead of acting as a teacher or expert. The counselor may call attention to a client’s lack of motivation. This can allow the client to recognize and change it. This technique can help people build confidence in their own ability to make positive changes.

Only the client can resolve their ambivalence

The counselor does not accept responsibility for their client’s motivation. Instead, MI teaches that each person must develop a desire to make positive changes in their thinking and behaviors.

A person’s desire to change may fluctuate

People may change their minds about pursuing sobriety. Their goals and motivation levels may change throughout their recovery. The practitioner continues to support the client throughout these fluctuations without judgment or expectations.

The counselor must work gently

The counselor expresses empathy through open-ended questions and reflective listening. They do not judge their clients or attempt to push them in a certain direction. Instead, they provide a safe, collaborative relationship the client can rely on, which may naturally result in positive change.

What to Expect in Motivational Interviewing Sessions

Throughout the MI process, your counselor will support your goals. They will do this without attempting to change your mind or guide you in a certain direction.

Here are some of the techniques your counselor may use during motivational interviewing sessions.

Engaging

Motivational interviewing depends on a client’s relationship with their practitioner. In early sessions, you may spend time developing rapport with your counselor and talking about your goals. You will begin to build a trusting relationship before starting your work together.

Focusing

Sometimes, the counselor gently draws the client’s attention to destructive patterns. They may point out repetitive thoughts and behaviors that may prevent the client from progressing toward their goals. The counselor may help the client return their focus to their goals without judgment or persuasion.

Evoking

The counselor’s goal is to help their client recognize the desire to change. The client and counselor may talk about why change is critical. The counselor uses techniques to build the client’s confidence in their ability to make positive changes.

Planning

The client and counselor work together to identify goals and make a practical plan to work toward them. The client decides which goals to work toward with the counselor’s support.

Throughout therapy, the counselor understands that fluctuations in motivation are normal. The counselor does not impose their own ideas about the importance of change. Instead, the counselor supports the client’s natural, unique process.

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The Benefits of Using Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment

Finding the type of therapy that is right for you and your unique situation is critical. Explore the pros and cons of each therapeutic approach and try different methods until you find one that works for you.

There are many benefits to using motivational interviewing in addiction treatment. Some of the benefits include:

• Increasing your own desire to change
• Helping you identify your own ambivalence about addiction recovery
• Allowing you to explore hesitation to make changes without judgment
• Increasing your self-confidence
• Helping you to accept your unique recovery journey

Motivation interviewing can be effective in a limited setting, such as a rehab program. You may also engage in MI therapy on an outpatient basis before or after completing a rehab program.

Find Treatment Now

Overcoming SUD can be challenging, but the right treatment and support can help. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about Motivational Interviewing or any of our other programs.

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