What is the Primary Goal of Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment?

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No two recovery journeys are ever the same. Each patient not only has their own unique needs when it comes to getting sober, but they also have their own unique reasons why they want to get sober. While universally, recovery involves leading a healthier, happier life, all patients also have unique reasons or motivations behind why they want to achieve sobriety. 

Motivational interviewing is a treatment that helps recovering addicts identify these unique reasons for change so they ultimately become more motivated and committed to their recovery journey. Keep reading to learn more about what is the primary goal of motivational interviewing in addiction treatment below.  

At Encino Detox, we are a top-rated detox center committed to helping you safely and effectively break free from the chains of addiction. We provide a comprehensive range of addiction and mental health treatment options so you can receive tailored support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve long-term sobriety. 

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Before diving into the primary goal of motivational interviewing in addiction treatment, it is critical to understand what motivational interviewing is. Motivational interviewing, as the name suggests, helps individuals understand why or their own reasons behind why they want to change for the better. An addict can understand that their addiction is bad for their health and quality of life; however, if they lack the motivation and reasons why they want to make a positive change and overcome their addiction, inevitably, this makes it difficult to achieve long-term sobriety.

Motivational interviewing uses a non-judgmental approach to help a patient understand their own reasons about why they want to change for the better. For example, an individual struggling with addiction may have children, and one of their reasons behind why they want to achieve long-term sobriety is for their kids. Or, another recovering addict may have reasons such as school or career aspirations as personal reasons why they may want to get sober. 

What is the Primary Goal of Motivational Interviewing?

Now that you know more about what motivational interviewing, the answer to what is the primary goal of motivational interviewing in addiction treatment is to help an individual understand their “why” or motivation behind why they want to get sober. In other words, being indifferent when it comes to overcoming addiction will most likely increase your risk of relapse. 

Understanding your own unique set of reasons why you want to change for the better can help you not only safely overcome your addiction but also help you maintain long-term sobriety so that you can lead a healthier, happier quality of life. 

Help Is Available

Now you know more about the question “What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing in addiction treatment?”. Motivational interviewing helps patients understand their own unique reasons for change so they can gain motivation and become more committed to achieving long-term sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you must seek professional support so you can safely and effectively achieve long-lasting sobriety. 

At Encino Detox, we are a committed team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals who are here to help you safely overcome your addiction. We provide personalized support to ensure you can safely recover and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Contact us today to learn how we can help you lead a healthier, happier life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other treatment options may be right for me?

Motivational interviewing is just one of the many different treatment options available to help support your road to recovery. There are evidence-based treatment options and more holistic therapy options. Evidence-based treatment options include treatment like psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of talk therapy that helps an individual recognize negative thoughts and behaviors in their life and turn them into more positive thoughts and behaviors to transform their life for the better.
Some patients may benefit from supplementing their treatment with holistic therapies like breathwork or mindfulness. Other treatment options like group therapy and family therapy can also be beneficial to help build a sense of accountability, rebuild relationships, and feel less alone in your recovery journey.

Why should I seek professional help for my addiction?

While you don’t necessarily have to receive professional help to achieve sobriety, professional help can significantly help you detox and maintain long-term recovery. This is for a number of reasons. First, depending on the severity of your addiction, the detoxification and withdrawal process can bring about potentially life-threatening symptoms. Seeking professional help will ensure you receive expert care to safely progress in your recovery.
Plus, seeking professional help will provide you with the expert guidance to establish healthy coping strategies. It is important to understand that the road to recovery is lifelong, and just because you get sober does not guarantee lifelong sobriety. This is why it is essential to establish healthy coping strategies as you progress in your recovery journey. This will help you be prepared when you are in everyday life and are faced with triggers, urges, and cravings to abuse drugs or alcohol.  

Can motivational interviewing be used alongside other treatments? 

Yes! As noted above, motivational interviewing is just one of the many treatment options available to help recovering addicts achieve sobriety. Motivational sobriety helps patients understand their unique reasons behind why they want to change for the better. 
Other treatment options, like cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and holistic treatment options, can further help an individual overcome their addiction and establish healthy coping strategies to achieve long-lasting sobriety. Not to mention, group and family therapy can help you rebuild and connect with others so you can lean on them for support as you progress in your recovery. 
You should never feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to overcoming addiction. We understand that each patient’s recovery journey is uniquely different. That’s why we offer a wide variety of evidence-based and holistic treatment options to help heal your mind and body for the better. Gone are the days of suffering in silence with your addiction– help is available!