Motivation is a critical element of behavior change (Flannery, 2017) that predicts client abstinence and reductions in substance use (DiClemente et al., 2017). You cannot give clients motivation, but you can help them identify their reasons and need for change and facilitate planning for change. Successful SUD treatment approaches acknowledge motivation as a multidimensional, fluid state during which people make difficult changes to health-risk behaviors, like substance misuse. For some people, committing to complete abstinence is not desirable or is too daunting a prospect before beginning treatment. In fact, there is growing support for what is called harm reduction, which values any moves toward reducing the destructive consequences of substance abuse.
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When care was standardized, most programs had not only a routine protocol of services but also a fixed length of stay. Twenty-eight days was considered the proper length of time for successful inpatient (usually hospital-based) care in the popular Minnesota model of SUD treatment. Residential facilities and outpatient clinics also had standard courses of treatment. Addiction treatment was viewed as a discrete event instead of a range of services over a continuum of care as the treatment provided for other chronic diseases like heart disease (Miller, Forehimes, & Zweben, 2011). Historically the treatment field has focused on the deficits and limitations of clients.
Natural Change
To better understand motivation in recovery, remember that addiction itself is a behavioral motivator. People turn to substance abuse to meet emotional or psychological needs. This means focusing on internal drives and desires that can push someone to make positive changes. Motivation plays a crucial role in addiction recovery, helping individuals navigate the challenges they face on their journey towards wellness.
How To Stay Motivated During Recovery
When individuals focus on the positives, they can reframe their perceptions, boost resilience, and maintain a hopeful outlook throughout their journey to recovery. Embracing the power of positive thinking during recovery, individuals learn to counter negative thoughts and replace recovery motivation them with constructive affirmations, which ultimately shapes a healthier mindset. With a positive attitude, individuals are more likely to embrace the support and resources available to them during the recovery process, leading to a more fulfilling and lasting transformation.
I offer individual addiction counselling to clients in the US and Canada. If you’re interested in learning more, you can send me a message here. You may also experience https://ecosoberhouse.com/ what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober.
Through custom-tailored addiction therapy services and initiatives like behavioral therapy, life skills workshops, and peer support networks, Ray Recovery encourages motivation and nurtures the ability for lasting sobriety. By empowering people to embrace progress, Ray Recovery provides them with the means to flourish beyond addiction, paving the way for a future free from substance dependence. Self-care is an essential component of maintaining recovery motivation. Addiction recovery can be a challenging journey, and it’s vital to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
Writing down thoughts and goals in addiction recovery can help build motivation by providing a tangible reminder of the desired outcomes. It can serve as a visual representation of progress, allowing individuals to track their journey and celebrate milestones. Additionally, writing can serve as a form of self-reflection and exploration, helping to clarify values and motivations for recovery.
- Otherwise the addicted person will choose to keep the addiction and hope that others won’t stick to their word.
- • Connection—being in touch with others who believe in and support recovery, and actively seeking help from others who have experienced similar difficulties.
- Building a strong support system with family, peers in recovery, and counselors may significantly influence motivation levels.