With the many therapies and techniques used for substance abuse, you’ve likely had questions about some of these are. One such technique that you may have heard before is motivational interviewing. This method is used in rehab, but what exactly is it and how does it work? Read on for more details.

What is Motivational Interviewing?a woman talking to her doctor about motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing, similar to the name, delves into your potential motivations for quitting. If you’re like some people, you may not know what your motivations for quitting drugs are. You may feel like you don’t have the motivation to do so. Motivational interviewing helps identify potential motivations you may have that will encourage you to take the necessary steps to quit. It does this through an interviewing process.

A therapist works with you to identify benefits you would gain from abstaining from drugs. Some of the things will be obvious like you benefit physically when you quit. But some of the reasons may be buried. The therapist helps you go deeper to identify motivations that are unique to you. For example, you may have an important career you’re on the verge of losing, or you may be ready to lose a spouse due to drug addiction. These are a couple of the reasons you may discover through motivational interviewing.

Why Motivational Interviewing Is Beneficial

Motivational interviewing is helpful for those people who may be inconsistent in their thoughts about quitting. Maybe they don’t have reasons why they want to quit; they just know they should do it. By tapping into the reasons for quitting, it will help you to follow through. These personal reasons are unique to you and can become a driving force for strength to accomplish the goal and move forward.

How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?

Motivational interviewing involves only a brief time of counseling. It may last just a few sessions, and the duration of the sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes. During that time the therapist will help you identify the reasons for wanting to quit drugs.

During the sessions, the therapist will be listening closely to what you are saying to determine what the motivations might be. That way they can provide the feedback to you.

In addition, the therapist helps encourage you to make a commitment. However, you won’t feel pressured or pushed. You will be in full control of your choices.

Therapists who do motivational interviews must be good listeners and able to motivate people to commit to change. It takes a professional and compassionate person to do this job.

Find Hope At Recovery Ways

At Recovery Ways you will meet our compassionate staff with years of experience to guide you through this crisis. We will ensure you get the best care while staying in our facility as we guide you to the path of sobriety. Our commitment is to bring you closer to your goals every day. We do this by customizing a treatment plan for you.
Connect with our medical team and receive evidence-based treatment plans to suit your issues. Some of these programs include:

Are you struggling with the motivation to quit doing drugs? You don’t need to do it alone. Through motivational interviewing, we can help you on your journey.

Don’t let substance abuse hinder your future happiness. Now that you know more about motivational interviewing, reach out to our center for the treatment and services you need for healing. Contact Recovery Ways at 888.986.7848, and we’ll get you on the right pathway for recovery.