Anyone with an addiction problem is likely aware of the negative consequences of their substance abuse. But many are not truly motivated to seek treatment and maintain their sobriety because they don’t think their problem is serious, or they simply don’t want to give up the pleasure they get from using drugs and alcohol.
At Harbor Village, we use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you get past those barriers and become motivated to change your addictive behavior. During these treatment sessions, the focus is not on what the therapist thinks you should do, but on helping you figure out on your own whether you really want to quit.
MI can help you overcome that internal dilemma, laying out the advantages and disadvantages of quitting based on what is important to you. The aim is for you to reach your own conclusions about your drug abuse, your desire to change, and how you want to go about making that change. When you make those decisions yourself, it becomes easier to give up drugs and alcohol because you now recognize them as barriers to the life you want to live.
We often incorporate Motivational Interviewing in your treatment plan when other behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, have not been completely successful. It’s hard to change your thoughts and behaviors if you’re not properly motivated to do so. MI is also helpful if you thrive on support and validation and value a close relationship with your therapist or counselor. If you have suffered a relapse in your recovery, MI can help you get back on track.
Being ambivalent about the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse can be a considerable factor in whether you suffer a relapse. We can help you discover a motivation to get sober based on your wants and needs, and not feelings of guilt or pressure from your family or a therapist. Motivational interviewing can significantly improve your chances of preventing relapse in the future.