The goal of motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to changing harmful behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse.

Specifically, motivational interviewing is a goal-oriented communication style designed to strengthen motivation for and commitment to a specific goal. Many facilities, including our Pompano treatment center, incorporate motivational interviewing into patients’ addiction treatment programs to help them address their addictive behaviors and find ways to overcome them. Our motivational interviewing for addiction treatment services at Banyan Pompano is a great tool for helping patients recognize the self-destructive behaviors that contribute to their addiction and to get the help they need to make a permanent change. 

 

What Is Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse?

The motivational interviewing definition has evolved since it was first publicized by William R. Miller in 1983. Miller developed motivational interviewing techniques from his experience administering alcohol treatment. Motivational interviewing substance abuse techniques have been practiced since then and have proven effective in treating substance use disorders. 

The purpose of combining motivational interviewing and addiction treatment is to elicit behavioral change in patients by exploring their reasons for wanting to change. There are seven key components of motivational interviewing that our Pompano substance abuse treatment center follows: 

  • Motivation comes from the client, not from other people or sources. 
  • The client is responsible for resolving their uncertainty, not the therapist.
  • Persuasion cannot resolve ambivalence or uncertainty; the person has to want to change.
  • The counselor quietly and gently draws information from the patient.
  • The counselor guides the patient in recognizing their uncertainty and resolving it.
  • Readiness to change is a fluctuating result of interpersonal interaction; it’s not a trait.
  • The client-counselor relationship should be a partnership.

 

In addition to honoring these MI components, our team also utilizes techniques like change talk, which is when statements made by the client reveal their motivation for or commitment to change. During motivational interviewing sessions, clients use change talk as a way to gently guide patients in the right direction. It’s also used to determine what patients really want to change. 



Motivational Interviewing and Substance Abuse Treatment

Our motivational interviewing for addiction treatment is heavily based on talk therapy and client-counselor conversations in which clients are asked open-ended questions, receive affirmations, and reflect on the changes they want to make. Considering that this technique is heavily based on the client’s self-awareness regarding their addiction and needs to change, motivational interviewing and addiction treatment go hand in hand. When used in tandem with our other levels of substance abuse treatment, motivational interviewing offers patients the boost they need to begin and complete their programs. 

During motivational interviewing sessions, counselors figure out what the clients want to change rather than what they think is best for the client. This is a unique approach that takes our patients’ needs and wants concerning their recovery into account. MI for addiction treatment is a smooth process that can be completed within a few sessions. Considering the many challenges recovering addicts face on a daily basis, our motivational interviewing counselors are empathetic, reflective listeners with the ability to form strong bonds with our patients in short periods. 

If you or a loved one is battling drug or alcohol addiction, motivational interviewing can nudge you in the right direction. Contact us today for more information about our MI service and other Florida drug and alcohol rehab programs.   



Related Reading:
What to Do if You Can’t Afford Rehab 
6 People You Didn’t Know Were in Recovery 
The Importance of Being Single in Early Recovery


Most Insurance Plans Accepted

At Banyan Treatment Center our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.

  • Med Mutual Logo
  • westernhealth
  • hmc
  • mhn
  • geisinger logo
  • anthem
  • keystone first
  • CareFirst logo
  • uprise health
  • Oscar logo
  • First Health Logo
  • avmed
  • Tricare
  • MedCost
  • aetna
  • GHI health care
  • Compsych logo
  • ambetter
  • humana
  • trpn logo
  • multi plan
  • magellan
  • value options
  • cigna
  • amerihealth
  • tufts
  • beacon
  • bluecross blueshield