When people decide to transition their current lifestyle from substance use and abuse to sobriety, they often aren’t sure of all the treatment options presented to them. They can be especially critical of the ideas that sound hoaky, like motivational interviewing. However, therapeutic approaches like motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and cognitive behavior therapies that focus on changing the words and the mind are critical for lifelong sobriety success. By understanding the primary goal of motivational interviewing, we can better ensure that needs are met during treatment.
Learn more about the treatment options available at Atlanta Recovery Place by speaking with an admissions coordinator today. Our state-of-the-art programming is designed to help individuals make long-lasting changes.
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What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic approach to help individuals with addiction and substance abuse problems. Developed in the 1980s by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, it has since become a widely accepted and effective approach used in addiction treatment.
Motivational interviewing aims to help individuals feel more motivated and confident about making positive changes in their lives. MI is based on the idea that people are more likely to make these changes when they feel like they are in control of their own decisions and moving their lives forward. It is a client-centered approach, meaning that the client controls the conversation, and the therapist acts as a facilitator to guide their thoughts.
How is Motivational Interviewing Used in Addiction Treatment?
Motivational interviewing is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with addiction and substance abuse problems. The goal of MI in addiction treatment is to help individuals identify and overcome their ambivalence about making positive changes in their lives.
MI is typically used in the early stages of addiction treatment when the client is still in the contemplation or preparation stage of change. During this stage, the client knows they have a substance problem but may not be ready to change. The therapist providing motivational interviewing helps the client explore their reasons for wanting to change and helps them identify any barriers to moving forward. Motivational interviewing is often used as a positive, conversational method during interventions.
One common technique used in MI is exploring the client’s values and goals and how their addiction or substance use interferes with those values and goals. The therapist may also help the client identify their strengths and resources that they can use to support their recovery, including personal, social, and medical support.
Who can Benefit from Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing can be helpful for anyone who is struggling with addiction or substance abuse. It is particularly effective for individuals in the early stages of addiction treatment and still struggling with ambivalence about making a change. MI can help to motivate an individual toward making that positive change.
MI is also helpful for individuals who have tried other forms of therapy but have not found success. Because it is a client-centered approach, it is adaptable to each individual’s unique needs and experiences. The therapist works with the client to identify their specific goals and tailor the therapy to meet those needs. The primary goal of motivational interviewing above all is individual treatment.
This style of therapy is also effective for individuals who may be resistant to traditional therapy or have experienced a relapse. The process is non-confrontational and non-judgmental, making it more appealing to individuals who have negative perceptions of therapy or feel like they have failed. Also, because the process is client-centered, all decisions are based on the beliefs and goals of the client.
What Other Therapies Go Along with Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing is often used with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It is often used to help individuals with addiction, and substance abuse problems identify and overcome triggers and cravings. Mindfulness-based therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on developing mindfulness skills. Mindfulness is being present and aware in the current moment without judgment. It can be helpful for individuals with addiction and substance abuse problems because it can help them develop coping skills for dealing with stress and triggers.
Other therapies that may be used with motivational interviewing include group therapy, family therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
Get Help Today at Atlanta Recovery Place.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, Atlanta Recovery Place can help. Our state-of-the-art programming is designed to help individuals make long-lasting changes. We offer a range of treatment options, including motivational interviewing, CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, and more.
Our experienced therapists and counselors will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals. We offer intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment options to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Our program helps individuals progress with Medication-Assisted Treatment and dual-diagnosis treatment for clients with other mental health disorders.
Contact our George Addiction Recovery Center today to learn more about our treatment options and to speak with an admissions coordinator. We are here to help you take the first step toward a happier, healthier life.
