Does your loved one view his or her drinking habits as problematic? Your answer to this question will say a lot about the predicted outcome of addiction treatment if you are able to convince them to seek help in recovery.
Primary motivators for seeking substance abuse treatment
Researchers have discovered that motivation plays an influential role in substance abuse treatment. According to one study, individuals seeking treatment of their own volition are more likely to comply with and complete the requirements of the treatment program. Another study measured the pre-and post-treatment levels of psychological distress in two groups; those who seek addiction treatment on their own achieved successful, long-lasting results whereas the levels of psychological distress of the compulsory group returned to the levels observed before treatment. Not only does motivation play an important role, but the type of motivation also makes a difference in one’s recovery. Divided into two categories – intrinsic and extrinsic – motivation can have short- and long-term effects.
Intrinsic motivating factors include:
• Desire to take personal responsibility
• Gain a sense of accomplishment
• Restore relationships with loved ones
• Get well for the sake of a newborn son or daughter
Extrinsic motivating factors include:
• Financial incentives to discourage addictive behaviors
• Performance-based on rewards or avoidance of punishment
• Pressure from employer and/or loved ones to seek addiction treatment
• Environmental influence
Research results reveal that in the long run, intrinsic motivation is associated with greater long-term change than extrinsic motivation.
Motivational enhancement, crucial for addiction treatment
If extrinsic motivation seems to outweigh the intrinsic, addiction therapists are there to help steer individuals’ drive in the right direction. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), clinicians help clients modify and enhance their motivation at any point during the stages of change. You can play an important role in your loved one’s wellness when you solicit the assistance of a substance abuse counselor to avoid further destruction of health, self-image, and reputation (SAMHSA).
Getting your loved one’s foot in the door
You are lucky if your loved one is willing to get treatment for his or her alcohol/drug abuse problem. In most cases, though, individuals who need the help are reluctant to get it. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, reasons cited for not seeking treatment include the following:
• Lack of readiness
• Belief that one can handle the addiction problem without outside help
• No transportation
• Inadequate health insurance coverage
• Fear of negative reputation with the employer, neighbors or others
• Lack of awareness/not knowing where to find treatment
• No time
• Inconvenience
There are ways to get their foot in the door if you need assistance. New Method Wellness’s Outreach Coordinator will walk you through the process and help eliminate excuses that people make about getting treatment.
Based in San Juan Capistrano, New Method Wellness is a premier dual diagnosis treatment center with six beautiful homes throughout South Orange County. Their comprehensive approach to substance abuse treatment goes deeper than just addressing the symptoms of substance use disorders; they integrate holistic methods to treat underlying co-occurring disorders that lead to drug and alcohol abuse. Recognized and recommended by Dr. Phil as an effective dual diagnosis program, New Method Wellness serves clientele from all over the United States and will soon be featured on Emmy Award-winning A & E Intervention. Beginning treatment with the right perspective will lay a strong foundation for your loved one’s recovery.
Do you need help convincing your loved one to seek treatment? Contact us today!
