Exploring Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change in Addiction - Essay Sample

DB 4.1

The principles of motivational interviewing and the stages of change theory have some similarities. Firstly, both of them describe ambivalence as part of the change process. For instance, during motivational interviewing, the client may have conflicting thoughts about quitting alcohol. Similarly, during the contemplation stage of change, one weighs between the benefits of smoking and its disadvantages. Secondly, both of them describe evolution as internally motivated. For example, during motivational interviewing, the client is informed that the transformation to a non-addict is self-initiated. Similarly, in the stages of change theory, for instance, one does the necessary preparations such as a diet plan and does the essential actions, eating healthier to lose weight (Cooper, 2017; Lacey & Street, 2017)

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Despite the similarities, the motivational interviewing principles and stages of change theory have significant differences. The motivational interviewing guides provide that the counselor shows sympathy to the client to create a rapport that elicits the client's opening up, for instance, about drug addiction. On the other hand, in the stages of change theory, no outside party shows any sympathy to elicit opening up about a habit, for instance, smoking. The change process is self-initiated. Secondly, during motivational interviewing, the counselor points out the client's past good behavior, such as quitting smoking for a while, to emphasise the client's capability. Conversely, in the stages of change theory, individuals assess their current behavior, such as excessive alcohol consumption, to determine its benefits or problems that make it possible for a change process to begin (Cooper, 2017; Lacey & Street, 2017).

Both viewpoints can be helpful for clients in the field of addiction in several ways. Firstly, drug addicts are encouraged to overcome ambivalence by weighing the pros and cons of drug addiction. As the pros outweigh the cons, the individuals confirm readiness and the ability to change. Secondly, drug addicts are encouraged that the transformation process starts from within. They are thus advised to change their attitudes to evoke a permanent transformation. Finally, drug addicts are constantly reminded of their past capabilities of behavior change and are recommended to identify their relapse triggers if they develop relapse. Thus, the transformative process is permanent (Cooper, 2017; Lacey & Street, 2017).

DB 4.2

The myth that motivational interviewing (MI) is 'too soft,' addicts need 'tough love' developed because addicts are known to have evolved from difficult situations such as troubled childhood. They are hence believed to require similar challenging therapy to elicit a transformation. However, the myth is false because addicts need tender treatment for the addicts to view themselves as ordinary people. Most transformed addicts are a result of such tender care. The myth that MI is unethical developed due to its methodology where a client opens up to a counselor. Some people believe that such a conversation invades privacy and is hence unethical. Nonetheless, the MI procedure occurs by mutual consent. The client has to agree to the session and has the right to stop further sessions without repercussions. MI is hence morally appropriate (Cooper, 2017).

The myth that MI is for treating addictions emerged as a result of social disempowerment. Addicts are the only people who the society believes to be having psychological problems. However, various classes of people, such as the obese, undergo psychological trauma that should be addressed through counseling. Hence, MI is for treating addictions and treating other individual groups with psychological problems. Contrary to the myth that MI does not work because it allows people to relapse, MI works because individuals who go for counseling through MI transform their behaviors. Thus, the transformation is permanent, with little chances of relapse. The myth results from the popularity of forceful behavior change, where it is believed that permanent shift results from punishment. It is a common belief that MI is just a fad. The view is because, since its recent emergence as an approach to human services, MI has gained quick popularity, the standard for short-lived phenomena. Contrary to the myth, MI is an approach whose effectiveness increases in treating addicts and other groups of people, such as divorcees. Hence, the course will be used infinitely (Cooper, 2017).

DB 4.3

Roberto is an alcohol dependent who is willing to undergo treatment. At the beginning of Roberto's treatment, it would be ideal to ask Roberto what he perceives of his alcohol dependency. The questions would include the destructive effects of alcohol dependency or any losses incurred from alcohol addiction. Many drug-dependents are ambivalent towards the habit; hence, it is valuable to create awareness of Roberto's addiction's potentially harmful effects before the treatment begins.

The most crucial factor in addressing Roberto's case is collaboration Vs. Confrontation. It is vital to make Roberto feel valued and understood by listening to his concerns to diffuse hostility. Roberto believes he has never had a problem with alcohol, except for a few occasional drinks. It is thus vital to listen to his addiction concern as he is willing to get treatment. Roberto's controversial statement on alcohol dependency warrants confrontation. It is prudent to challenge Roberto's responses to elicit more accurate answers, such as his drinking frequency.

Roberto's change process would include a series of stages. Firstly, Roberto would be asked about his perception of alcohol dependency. Such questions would consist of the benefits and negative impacts of alcohol that would derive Roberto's ambivalence level on liquor. Secondly, the counselor would transform Roberto's ambivalence towards the positive side by emphasising alcohol's adverse effects, such as memory loss, as Roberto previously experienced. Thirdly, the counselor would encourage Roberto and emphasise the importance of personal decision making to make up his mind by quitting alcohol based on negative alcohol experiences. Finally, based on negative alcohol experiences, Roberto would stop drinking, illustrating the whole change process (Lacey & Street, 2017).

References

Cooper, L. (2017). Motivational interviewing: An evidence-based treatment for older adults. Innovation in Aging, 1(Suppl 1), 18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6241405/

Lacey, S. J., & Street, T. D. (2017). Measuring healthy behaviors using the stages of change model: An investigation into Australian miners' physical activity and nutrition behaviors. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 11(1), 30. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13030-017-0115-7