The Role of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in Sustaining Recovery

Even after completing treatment, living with addiction or a co-occurring mental illness can feel overwhelming. Triggers or unwanted substance exposure can interfere with an individual’s psyche, ultimately worsening substance cravings. Therefore, it can be challenging for some individuals to stay on track to healthy healing. However, motivational interviewing (MI) has been proven to enhance an individual’s ability to commit to their recovery goals. Clients at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch have found success after utilizing MI as an integral part of their treatment approach, as the therapeutic approach effectively promotes one’s resilience and long-term success.

The Challenges Involved With Maintaining Recovery

It is common for a substance relapse to occur within just one year after finishing an addiction treatment program. A relapse can happen due to various life factors. Unmanaged stress can make one more vulnerable to relapse. Unfortunate life events can derail one’s ability to stay on track to healing. For example, suffering a job loss, losing a loved one, navigating a divorce, or experiencing a home foreclosure can cause a great deal of stress. Having a lack of support or living in a toxic environment with direct exposure to drugs, alcohol, or trauma can significantly hinder an individual’s ability to maintain lasting sobriety.

The 3 Stages of Relapse

Oftentimes, some families or individuals with SUD or a co-occurring mental illness share a common misconception that once an individual has completed treatment, they are now cured. However, this is entirely untrue. Another common prevailing misconception is that a relapse abruptly happens. Although various obstacles can trigger a relapse, gaining a strong understanding of the three stages of relapse can be crucial in preventing it. A relapse is a gradual process with defined stages.

According to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (YJBM), relapse prevention is why a majority of individuals seek professional support. Those in recovery tend to gain personal growth with each milestone that has been met. Staying informed on the most effective coping strategies can help one gain long-term healing. However, if one lacks support, they put themselves at risk of enduring the three stages of relapse. The three stages of relapse include:

• Emotional relapse: The individual remembers the last time they used harmful substances and has no desire to re-engage in substance use. Nonetheless, their actions are setting them up for a relapse in the future.
• Mental relapse: The individual fights a war in their mind to use drugs or alcohol again. As one delves deeper into mental relapse, one’s resistance to relapse diminishes. Thus, their need for escape increases.
• Physical relapse: The individual surrenders to drug and alcohol abuse.

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

An addiction relapse can be detrimental to an individual’s mental or physical well-being. For example, one may put oneself at risk of enduring a disability or entering a coma. A tragic relapse can also result in a tragic overdose or even death. However, attending motivational interviewing can bring significant results. Research indicates that motivational factors drive significant results in medical practice. MI is a holistic therapeutic approach that was developed to improve motivation for ambivalent patients. This means it is a natural method of care. Motivational interviewing can promote positive behavioral change for relapse prevention. The therapeutic approach has proven to be an effective, evidence-based, and comparatively economical method for behavioral change for those facing challenges with substance use disorder.

Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Based on the aforementioned study, MI methods consist of five intervention techniques. The significance of each often varies depending on the client and the progress made in treatment. Asking open-ended questions is the first intervention element. Doing so helps encourage patients to confront certain challenges. Studies have also highlighted that motivational interviewing is best performed when about 70% of the questions are open-ended.

The second intervention element involves active listening. Listening attentively helps the therapist focus on their client’s concerns and better address certain behaviors. A clinician then takes a moment to reflect on their initial statements. The third intervention element is affirmation. A clinician speaks with praise, recognition, and understanding to gain the client’s trust. Lastly, the fourth and fifth intervention elements involve summarizing the session and closing with encouragement through self-motivational statements. Taking this action can confirm the client gained the most benefit from their MI therapy session.

The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing for Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring psychiatric disorders are prevalent health issues. Studies indicate that the efficacy of MI is fair. Randomized controlled trials pertaining to individuals with SUD discovered that MI significantly reduced substance use. Motivational interviewing improved retention in treatment, motivation, and relapse prevention in comparison to having no treatment at all. Positive outcomes also included reducing binge drinking, the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, and substance abuse for those with SUD. A wide body of research also highlighted that motivational interviewing increased physical activity participation for individuals with a dual diagnosis.

Benefits That Can Come From Participating in Motivational Interviewing

MI enhances a client’s commitment to their recovery goals while promoting resilience and long-term success for a better quality of life. Research indicates that motivational interviewing can help individuals explore the benefits involved with changed behavior. Staff members at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch who use this approach enjoy learning about and strengthening their clients’ motivation to make a difference.

Motivational interviewing therapy works to further enhance a therapist’s level of confidence to engage effectively with their clients. Plum Creek Recovery Ranch’s staff can develop a strong bond with each client and their families to improve their overall experience and gain the most benefit from their care. Additional benefits of motivational interviewing for substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health conditions include:

• Enhanced self-efficacy can help to reduce stress for relapse prevention
• Collaboration is important to increase productivity
• Improved treatment outcomes give the client a greater sense of hope for the future
• Reduced ambivalence for improved motivation and focus
• Focus on strengths for improved confidence and progress
• Long-term sustainability for ongoing success
• Reduces relapse risk for a healthier lifestyle

What Is a Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis consists of having two or more health conditions. For example, one may have both substance use disorder and depression or anxiety. Unaddressed substance use disorder can negatively impact various aspects of an individual’s life. The negative effects of addiction can severely disrupt an individual’s lifestyle, but having a co-occurring mental illness can be even more weighing. There is no say whether poor mental health came before or after prolonged addiction.

However, there is a strong link between the two health conditions. Living with a dual diagnosis can be very challenging to manage. Even the most motivated individuals may still face various obstacles while in recovery. However, developing a strong support network is critical for sustaining recovery from harmful substances.

The Importance of Receiving Support in Recovery for a Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis can test one’s mental and physical well-being. Not only may one experience challenges with unhealthy triggers, unwanted exposure, and substance cravings, but a dual diagnosis involves much more than that. For example, an individual living with co-occurring major depressive disorder may have deeper problems managing daily stressors. As a result, they may feel a great sense of isolation and experience different types of anxiety, leading to suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts. If one fails to maintain mental stability, they may become more susceptible to re-engaging in substance use.

Poor mental health is also associated with various physical diseases. Major depressive disorder is associated with minor symptoms such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and persistent fatigue. However, individuals with severe depression are at a higher risk of having a stroke or developing cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding that unmanaged substance use disorder and poor mental health pose serious risks to one’s overall health, it is critical for one to seek a continuum of care services. Plum Creek Recovery Ranch’s aftercare support programs can be highly beneficial to one’s recovery path. Doing so can help one better navigate certain challenges associated with their dual diagnosis. Steady outpatient motivational interviewing participation ensures a safer path to healing.

How Does Plum Creek Recovery Ranch Utilize Motivational Interviewing?

The recovery team at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch understands that many individuals with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health conditions experience problems sustaining lasting sobriety. It is not uncommon for those with a dual diagnosis to still experience problems with poor self-esteem or demotivation at the start of their recovery. Additional support can make a significant difference, providing a positive perspective for a better recovery outcome. Knowing that some individuals feel hesitant to live an independent lifestyle, Plum Creek Recovery Ranch provides various services to help accommodate our clients’ transition into recovery from drugs and alcohol. Outpatient motivational interviewing is an effective aftercare treatment for those who fear distraction or dread failure in the healing phase.

The Value of Combining Motivational Interviewing With Other Forms of Care While in Recovery

There is no direct cause of substance use disorder or a co-occurring mental health condition. Various factors play a wide role in a dual diagnosis. Genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and having a strong history of trauma are just a few causes behind addiction or poor mental health.

Plum Creek Recovery Ranch understands that not everyone responds to the same treatment in the same way. Although motivational interviewing can be advantageous to one’s recovery journey, sometimes, combining other forms of care can further strengthen one’s ability to maintain healthy healing. For example, Plum Creek Recovery Ranch clients benefit greatly from breaking down other holistic treatment modalities. Depending on a clients’ specific needs, our staff may tailor unique services for a complementary approach to care:

• Counseling for personal support
• Weekly telehealth therapy sessions for flexible care
• Group therapy sessions for peer support
• Family therapy for stronger family dynamics
• Mindfulness practices for improved self-awareness
• Experiential therapies and activities for improved treatment satisfaction
• Local self-help groups to get involved within the community
• Alumni events for positive encouragement and a place to safely decompress

The Importance of Incorporating Aftercare Services Into One’s Individualized Treatment Plan

To sustain recovery from drugs and alcohol, it can be helpful for an individual with a dual diagnosis to blend aftercare services into their individualized treatment plan. Some individuals may frown upon the idea of attending outpatient care after completing a treatment program. Nonetheless, addiction recovery requires ongoing effort for lasting sobriety. An individualized treatment plan is a personalized roadmap for lasting sobriety.

Not knowing what to expect can sometimes feel unsettling. To start, a professional at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch may ask a series of questions. This is done to tailor the most effective services to our clients’ needs. A compassionate team member may ask about the client’s medical history, interests, and recovery goals. Not everyone feels confident sharing personal information, but doing so will ensure the individual receives the best care possible. Inquiring about aftercare services when discussing recovery goals can help promote a safer recovery.

The Importance of Moving Forward With Effective Aftercare Services

Maintaining sobriety from drugs and alcohol can be tough, especially for those with a severe dual diagnosis. Although one has gained the right skills learned in their treatment program, sometimes it can be challenging to maintain a structured routine. Finding the right aftercare services can sometimes feel overwhelming, but developing a strong support network is important. Gaining new sober connections can open new opportunities for a better future.

Tips to Stay Dedicated to Motivational Interviewing While in Recovery

It is common for some individuals with a dual diagnosis to feel hesitant to move forward with aftercare services. Staying dedicated to outpatient care can also be stressful. For example, balancing work, school, and relationships with friends or family with outpatient MI therapy can seem like a lot. However, Plum Creek Recovery Ranch has a compassionate care team. The recovery staff welcomes our clients with open arms. We confidently help navigate our clients through different challenges to effectively gain the most from motivational interviewing therapy and complementary care services for a steady healing process. Additional tips to maintain lasting recovery include:

• Practicing gratitude to stay optimistic
• Creating positive life changes for ongoing improvement
• Getting daily exercise for improved mental and physical health
• Eating a healthy, nutritious diet to safely recover from the physical damage of active addiction
• Getting an adequate amount of sleep to remain focused
• Setting achievable goals for improved motivation
• Practicing self-care to improve one’s self-esteem
• Celebrating milestones to foster a sense of accomplishment
• Becoming aware of certain triggers to effectively respond
• Staying open to new coping strategies for ongoing benefit
• Finding ways to give back to mend relationships
• Practicing sober activities to maintain a healthy mindset

Modifying One’s Individualized Treatment Plan After a Relapse

Motivational interviewing, combined with other forms of care, does not guarantee a perfect recovery. Even the most goal-oriented clients at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch may experience the three stages of relapse. However, the team at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch is there for our clients from the beginning through every phase of recovery.

To sustain both mental and physical stability, individuals with a dual diagnosis need to communicate the onset of any new symptoms associated with their conditions. Doing so can help one receive needed support to remain on track toward ongoing healing. Reporting any concerns with the team at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch is also critical to prevent or reduce discouragement. Not everyone feels comfortable coming forth about a staff issue, but Plum Creek Recovery Ranch is more than happy to discuss the incident with a team member or place our clients with a new therapist if needed.

Moving Forward With Plum Creek Recovery Ranch

Knowing that unfortunate life events can derail an individual’s stability to sustain recovery, taking a step back to evaluate certain challenges is also important. Although a relapse can feel defeating, it is never too late to modify an individualized treatment plan. At Plum Creek Recovery Ranch, we know our evidence-based treatment works because it has worked for us. A team member at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch may sit down to discuss certain vulnerabilities, regressions, or setbacks and extend our client’s plan of care for a better experience.

Plum Creek Recovery Ranch, located in beautiful Austin, Texas, transforms people’s lives by breaking the cycle of addiction, creating genuine connections, and fostering hope. We use evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as motivational interviewing and personalized treatment plans to address the underlying causes of addiction and prepare clients for long-term sobriety. Programs at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch take into consideration any factors impacting physical or mental health. Our treatment programs prioritize a whole-person approach to care, healing the mind, body, and spirit. We develop unique care plans for every client, meeting each person where they are today. Call our recovery center at (512) 764-0379 to learn more about the value of motivational interviewing.