Motivation Therapy for Addiction

It’s challenging to become sober and stay sober without motivation. Many addicts may feel like they have nothing left to live for and continue to seek their next high. Admitting you have an addiction is usually the first step to recovery, but what if you don’t have the inclination to actually seek help? Thanks to motivation therapy (MT), there’s still hope! This form of therapy helps clients develop a negative view of their addiction, encouraging them to change their habits. Motivation therapy consists of various techniques, including strategies to resist arguments and boost self-efficacy.

We encourage you to learn more about motivation therapy and our extensive selection of therapy programs at United Recovery Project. If you’re still on the fence about drug and alcohol rehab, we can help you come to terms with your addiction. Many addicts are apprehensive about receiving treatment, primarily when they have used a particular drug for a long time. They worry about the daunting withdrawal side effects or fear that they will fail. We’re here to support your every step, which means offering motivation therapy that effectively treats substance abuse disorder. Before you begin treatment at United Recovery Project, you’ll complete an initial assessment that enables us to create a personalized treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Do Addicts Lack Motivation?

Some addicts are incredibly motivated to seek help, but others may not feel ready to stop using drugs and alcohol. Simply put, it depends on many internal and external factors. The brain’s natural equilibrium changes when you use drugs, which gives you the constant urge for the next “fix.” This overpowering feeling makes it complicated to focus on other things in life, such as personal relationships and work or school. If you don’t have anything else on your mind except for drugs and alcohol, it’s challenging to find a reason to seek treatment. Nonetheless, some addicts may realize what they’re missing out on in life and make an effort to get help.

Saying that addicts lack motivation would be an unfair blanket statement. While some aren’t motivated, they are still capable of becoming sober. That’s where motivation therapy comes into play – a highly effective substance abuse disorder treatment that’s commonly used in rehabilitation programs. Motivational interviewing (MI) and motivational enhancement (ME) therapy are two motivation therapies. While both types of treatments strive to achieve a similar outcome, they consist of different techniques.

Motivation Therapy Techniques

The first type of motivation therapy is motivational interviewing (MI). In this type of therapy, a therapist asks the client various questions in a non-confrontational way. The aim is to create a comfortable environment that enhances collaboration. The therapist takes a goal-oriented approach to help the client boost their personal motivation and focus on a particular goal (in the case of substance abuse, becoming sober). Furthermore, the therapist acts as an equal and doesn’t direct or instruct the client. Motivational therapy isn’t about forcing change upon someone else; it encourages change. Instead of asking questions that you can answer with a “yes” or a “no,” the therapist asks open-ended questions. For instance, instead of asking, “do you plan to be sober in five years?” the therapist would ask, “where do you see yourself in five years? Then, the therapist may follow up with the question, “how do you plan to achieve that?” The questions asked in motivational interviewing should prompt you to think deeply and reflect upon your goals.

Motivation enhancement therapy (MET) is the second form of treatment under the motivation therapy umbrella. MET aims to spark quick motivation in individuals, enabling them to acknowledge their addiction and begin substance abuse treatment. Before someone starts MET, they typically undergo an initial assessment at a licensed rehabilitation center. After the evaluation, the individual will meet with a therapist and talk about their substance abuse history. The therapist will make various statements in the first session, attempting to stimulate motivation.

Moreover, the therapist may incorporate elements of motivational interviewing in MET. Addicts will attend two to three subsequent sessions to continue to boost their motivation and discuss the best treatment strategies. Clients may bring loved ones and friends to MET sessions for moral support. After completing MET, clients typically enter a rehabilitation program based on the outcome of their therapy sessions.

The Benefits of Motivation Therapy

Motivation therapy has various benefits, including, but not limited to:

• Enhance your quality of life
• Curb your addiction while also treating mental health conditions
• Talk freely with a therapist to better understand your struggles
• Build motivation to improve your future
• Solve your problems with the help of a therapist
• Identify the gap between your goals and behavior

Is Motivation Therapy Right for You?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the below questions, we highly recommend participating in motivation therapy:

• Do you want to listen reflectively and realize your potential?
• Would you like to turn your negative thoughts into positive actions?
• Do you want to develop the motivation to meet your long-term goals and become drug-free?
• Are you ready to imagine a future without substance abuse and mental illness?
• Do you need extra support that encourages you to seek treatment?
• Do you need help avoiding arguments with friends and family?

If any of these questions strike a chord, our team is ready to assist you on your recovery journey!