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Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach used to motivate clients to change unresolved behaviors. Studies indicate that utilizing MI in the treatment of substance use disorders yields positive behavioral outcomes when compared to no treatment at all. Positive outcomes include reduced substance use, fewer substance-related problems, and improved engagement and retention in treatment.1
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Overview
MI for Substance Abuse
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Effectiveness of MI Treatment
Benefits of MI
Finding Treatment

What Is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a person-centered, goal-directed behavioral therapy approach that aims to address resistance to change and increase a person’s internal motivation to make desired changes, such as reducing or eliminating substance use.1 It is a short-term counseling technique used to explore and resolve uncertainty about drug and alcohol use and associated behaviors, increase readiness and willingness to engage in treatment, and help people remain in treatment.2,3

MI is typically used during the initial stages of substance use treatment, when a person may still be unsure about whether they want to change their substance use behaviors.

The focus of MI is to enhance an individual’s intrinsic motivation. In other words, the therapist wants to help the client find their motivation to change; and this motivation can be unique to the patient. For example, maybe the patient wants to change because they want to be a better parent, etc. This is done through a collaborative relationship between patient and provider that allows MI-trained therapists to help their patients develop and understand their motivations by helping them see where they are compared to where they want to be.3

To do this, therapists lay a foundation rooted in empathy, affirmation, and nonjudgemental support that encourages patients to discuss possible change and overcome their ambivalence or fear of change.3 In fact, a therapist or counselor’s use of empathy, rather than authority and power, is key to enhancing a patient’s motivation to change.1

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Motivational Interviewing and Substance Abuse Treatment

Historically, it was thought that individuals who struggle with substance use disorders needed to “hit bottom” to make significant changes in their substance use and associated behaviors, but research shows that MI therapists can help patients identify and explore their desires, abilities, reasons, and need (DARN) to change substance use behaviors.1

 

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Find Rehabs That Offer Motivational Interviewing

If you or a loved one struggle with substance use or addiction, treatment that involves MI can be a helpful starting point for your recovery journey. You can find programs that suit your needs in various ways, such as asking your family doctor or mental healthcare provider for referrals or using SAMHSA’s treatment finder tool and filtering by MI in your area.

You can also call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can connect you with rehabs near you. Many AAC treatment centers provide MI along with other evidence-based therapies. At AAC, your treatment plan is individualized to meet your specific needs.

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Effectiveness of MI For Addiction Treatment

Although some studies report mixed results, the overall scientific evidence suggests that MI is associated with positive substance use behavioral outcomes when compared with no treatment at all.1,2 Limited research indicates that MI has a positive effect on reducing binge drinking, frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, and substance abuse in people with dependency or addiction.8 And as previously mentioned, evidence shows that MI can be effective in substance use treatment when combined with other evidence-based therapies such as group counseling, CBT, and recovery management groups—all of which can help individuals maintain long-term behavior changes.1,3

 

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What Are the Benefits of MI for Substance Use Disorder?

As previously mentioned, MI can be beneficial for individuals with substance use disorders. MI can help those who struggle with addiction find and maintain the motivation necessary to work toward their goals and remain in treatment.1 And as previously stated, it can be helpful to combine MI with other therapies, including CBT, to increase the chances of attaining long-term recovery.3 

Some of the additional benefits of MI include:1

  • Greater participation and involvement in treatment.
  • Reductions in consumption of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other substances.
  • Increased abstinence rates.
  • Higher patient confidence in their ability to change maladaptive behaviors.
  • Improving treatment outcomes.
  • Encouraging a quick return to treatment should a patient relapse.
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Finding Addiction Treatment That Works for You

Effective addiction treatment should be personalized based on your unique needs.10 What works for one person may not work for another, so treatment can look different for everyone.

AAC is a leading provider of individualized addiction treatment. AAC treatment centers, which are spread throughout the country, offer the complete continuum of care and evidence-based interventions, which may include MI and other modalities, depending on your needs. Call to connect with an admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you through the admissions process so you can begin your path to recovery.

 

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