What is Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse?

Recovery professionals are Incorporating new therapeutic measures to treat those dealing with substance use disorders that begin with the motivation to change. Continuing research and data collection prove that there is a mind-body connection that responds to holistic therapies. Traumatic events connect to substance use disorders and mental health conditions, and trauma-informed care is an innovative answer to the resolution of unhealed trauma. Motivational interviewing for substance abuse treatment is the foundation for building the motivation for those in recovery to change.

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI)

How does motivational interviewing help with the treatment of substance use disorders? MI addresses the fear of change or ambivalence to build a sense of motivation to change thoughts and behaviors through conversation. Exploring the pros and cons of substance use and quitting provides a chance for individuals to confront any denial in place. These beginning steps form a picture of what change looks like and progress into how recovery can benefit their future. The benefits of motivational interviewing start by building a safe and non-judgmental environment that validates individuals striving to break the bonds of addiction.

The Core Principles of Motivational Interviewing

The National Library of Medicine highlights Chapter 3 of Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and states, “Motivational interviewing is a person-centered counseling style for addressing the common problem of ambivalence about change.” The core principle of MI therapy is using reflective listening to engage, focus, evoke, and plan to resolve ambivalence to change and propel the individual into a motivational state to recover. Utilizing motivational interviewing for substance abuse therapy allows the therapist to be supportive, empathetic, and compassionate to allow an individual to feel free to build self-determination, initiate steps to achieve goals, and climb the ladder of personal growth. 

Motivational interviewing is a person-centered form of therapy with 4 core principles:

• Engaging: forming a partnership between therapist and individual to expose issues, concerns, hopes, and goals for the future.
• Focusing: focusing on one topic at a time of behaviors, habits, and thoughts that need to change.
• Evoking: inviting motivation for change by supportive understanding, empathy, and compassion while increasing a sense of confidence in the individual’s efforts.
• Planning: the therapist helps the individual implement desired changes by planning a progression of steps to accomplish.

How Motivational Interviewing Works in Substance Abuse Treatment

One of the main components of motivational interviewing for addiction is understanding ambivalence and its role in recovery. Ambivalence is often the roadblock to change. Those with a substance use disorder understand the negative consequences of substance use but continue to use, even though they know they need to quit. The tension that forms from these contrasting thoughts is ambivalence. Ambivalence is a normal part of change, but MI therapy teaches individuals struggling with it how to explore it and address it by making their own decisions to control it.

Key Techniques Used in Motivational Interviewing

What is motivational interviewing most beneficial for? The main intention of MI therapy is to allow individuals to make their own decisions about change. The goal of the therapist is to support self-efficacy and encourage dreams, goals, and thoughts of positive change. This form of therapy works because of the vital technique of forming a therapeutic partnership between the individual and the therapist. The therapist listens and gives empathetic feedback without arguments or confrontation. Change is more meaningful when it is a personal choice to overcome ambivalence.

The Remarkable Benefits of Motivational Interviewing for Addiction Recovery

Motivational interviewing for substance abuse treatment has many benefits for a recovery journey. Individuals can develop motivation from their efforts and learn a strong sense of self-accountability. This form of therapy builds a relationship with positivity and productive interactions. Resolving ambivalence can reduce the risk of relapse in the long term. Understanding ambivalence and resistance can offer additional support when challenges and stress occur throughout recovery.

Who Can Benefit from MI Therapy?

Struggling with ambivalence can occur when making significant life changes, dealing with substance abuse, weight management, chronic health issues, quitting smoking, and addressing mental health concerns. The benefits of motivational interviewing are far-reaching for those with a resistant tendency for change. When individuals struggle with mixed feelings about changes they need to make, MI therapy is helpful. Those with depression and high anxiety find MI a successful option for taking control over the management of their condition.

The Role of Empathy and Active Listening in MI

Learning reflective listening skills is helpful for all types of relationships. Learning to communicate by listening to an individual’s ideas and then communicating the concept confirms authentic listening and understanding. Empathy shows acceptance of an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Using compassion and active listening, the therapist can affirm the client to show respect and positive regard for the client. These components make motivational interviewing for addiction treatment a fast-acting addition to the treatment plan.

Stages of Change: MI’s Focus on Readiness

How does motivational interviewing help with the treatment of substance use disorders? The process of change in motivational interviewing advances through several stages. Each individual has a timeline for each stage. Throughout the stages, the therapist supports, encourages, guides, and fosters motivation for the client. Individuals who earnestly try to understand their resistance and ambivalence receive the best results. 

The 5-stages of motivational interviewing include:

• Precontemplation: the initial state of not understanding or owning the ability to see the problems addiction presents and may be in denial 
• Contemplation: Acknowledgment of issues comes to the surface to allow the consideration that change is needed
• Preparation: Motivation builds, grows more substantial, and plans actively emerge for change
• Action: puts the plans for change into motion by forming specific strategies while committing to self for change
• Maintenance: changes are successfully made, and work must sustain the progress over the long term.

The Impact of Motivational Interviewing in Long-Term Recovery

MI therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and other holistic person-centered techniques impact long-term recovery. Those responsible for evaluating behavior and thought processes can monitor and check for damaging cracks in the foundation of recovery. Responsibility and accountability are essential for staying on a healthy, positive, and productive routine in a sober lifestyle. Motivational interviewing for substance abuse is an invaluable tool for whole-person therapy and beneficial for any relapse prevention plan.

Trust the Process in Substance Use Treatment with Innovative Therapies in California

In the early days of treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions, there were only a few evidence-based therapies to incorporate into a treatment plan. Sierra Health & Wellness understands the benefits of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-informed care, and person-centered holistic therapies. The specialized staff of professionals are trained in the most innovative therapies available for the treatment of substance use disorders. Contact Sierra Health & Wellness today to begin gaining control of your life and move forward in a fantastic wellness journey.