Implementing Motivation-Enhancing Strategies in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

CE Course Description

In the past three decades, the addiction treatment field has focused on discovering and applying science-informed practices that help people with SUDs enhance their motivation to stop or reduce alcohol, drug, and nicotine use. The purpose of this intermediate level continuing education course, developed using information from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is to explore why people change, how motivation is linked to substance use behavior change, and how clinicians can help clients enhance their motivation to engage in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and initiate recovery. In addition, a summary of the nature of motivation and behavior change is presented as well as an overview of the shift away from abstinence-only addiction treatment perspectives toward client-centered approaches that enhance motivation and reduce risk.

Author: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

CE Course Objectives

1. Describe the significance of motivation in substance use behavior change and essential counselor skills that enhance client motivation to change.
2. Discuss the components of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of the Stages of Change (SOC) approach and how to tailor specific counseling strategies to the different stages.
3. Summarize the elements of effective motivational counseling approaches and discuss the use of brief motivational interventions.
4. Identify new approaches that have been incorporated into motivational interviewing (MI) and how MI can be applicable to diverse medical and behavioral health problems.
5. Outline way that counselors can use MI to help clients move toward contemplating the possibility of change and then preparing to change substance use behaviors.
6. Describe the process of helping clients identify and clarify change goals and evaluate how and when to develop a change plan.
7. Assess how motivational strategies can be used effectively to help clients maintain the gains they have made by stabilizing change, supporting lifestyle changes, and managing setbacks.
8. Discuss how to incorporate motivational approaches into SUD treatment programs as well as workforce development issues that should be addressed to fully integrate and sustain these approaches.

CE Course Outline

Chapter 1: A New Look at Motivation (60 mins)

1. Motivation and Behavior Change (10 mins)
2. Changing Perspectives on Addiction and Treatment (10 mins)
3. TTM of the SOC (Stages of Change) (20 mins)
4. Conclusion (20 mins)

Chapter 2: Motivational Counseling and Brief Intervention (60 mins)

1. Elements of Effective Motivational Counseling Approaches (10 mins)
2. Motivational Counseling and the SOC (15 mins)
3. Special Applications of Motivational Interventions (10 mins)
4. Brief Motivational Interventions (10 mins)
5. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (10 mins)
6. Conclusion (5 mins)

Chapter 3: Motivational Interviewing as a Counseling Style (80 mins)

1. Introduction to MI (Motivational Interviewing) (5 mins)
2. What Is New in MI (10 mins)
3. Ambivalence (10 mins)
4. Core Skills of MI: OARS (10 mins)
5. Four Processes of MI (25 mins)
6. Benefits of MI in Treating SUDs (Substance Use Disorders) – (20 mins)

Chapter 4: From Precontemplation to Contemplation: Building Readiness (60 mins)

1. Develop Rapport and Build Trust (10 mins)
2. Raise Doubts and Concerns About the Client’s Substance Use (20 mins)
3. Understand Special Motivational Counseling Considerations for Clients Mandated to Treatment (25 mins)
4. Conclusion (5 mins)

Chapter 5: From Contemplation to Preparation: Increasing Commitment (40 mins)

1. Normalize and Resolve Ambivalence (15 mins)
2. Help Tip the Decisional Balance Toward Change (20 mins)
3. Conclusion (5 mins)

Chapter 6: From Preparation to Action: Initiating Change (60 mins)

1. Explore Client Change Goals (10 mins)
2. Develop a Change Plan (20 mins)
3. Support the Client’s Action Steps (10 mins)
4. Evaluate the Change Plan (15 mins)
5. Conclusion (5 mins)

Chapter 7: From Action to Maintenance: Stabilizing Change (60 mins)

1. Stabilize Client Change (15 mins)
2. Support the Client’s Lifestyle Changes (20 mins)
3. Help the Client Reenter the Change Cycle (20 mins)
4. Conclusion (5 mins)

Chapter 8: Integrating Motivational Approaches in SUD Treatment Settings (60 mins)

1. Adaptations of Motivational Counseling Approaches (25 mins)
2. Workforce Development (30 mins)
3. Conclusion (5 mins)