Motivational enhancement therapy, or MET is a short-term therapeutic model to help those with alcohol and substance use disorders. It is important to note that while connected, motivational enhancement therapy and motivational interviewing are different.
1
The distinguishing elements pertaining to motivational enhancement therapy will be detailed in this article. It is important to know both the affiliated highlights and potential drawbacks in order to discern if motivational enhancement therapy is right for you or your loved one.
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
While both aim to enhance the desire for behavioral change, motivational interviewing therapy is a broader therapeutic approach. In contrast, MET focuses on individualized assessment, feedback, and plans for change. Unlike some therapeutic models, which focus on a step-by-step recovery process, motivational enhancement therapy strives to achieve rapid and “internally motivated” change.
2
Data from the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that up to 9% of the US population could benefit from drug or alcohol addiction treatment in a year. Of those, less than 1.5% received the help they needed. By applying the stages of change, those seeking help to overcome addiction can benefit from a framework to guide addiction recovery. The six stages of change are as below. 5
This stage is not a concrete stage that everyone should go through during the stages of change. Unfortunately, it is a stage many will unwillingly (and sometimes willingly) go through at least once during their recovery process. Statistics show that between 40% and 60% of individuals in recovery experience at least one incidence of relapse. Some may experience several before successfully attaining and maintaining sobriety.
MET was initially developed for addiction treatment; however, research suggests it may be effective for several mental health conditions. Examples include anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, compulsive gambling, eating disorders, and motivational enhancement therapy for substance abuse.
Studies suggest motivational enhancement therapy techniques suggest this therapy model is an effective therapy tool. One study shows a 20% or more reduction in drinking among study participants.
While effective as a comprehensive treatment tool, the most notable benefit of MET is that it helps reduce ambivalence and resistance to treatment. MET helps someone with an addiction or mental health challenge better understand their inner strengths and develop a desire to change from within. This treatment method often provides a greater opportunity for success as it is the individual’s desire or goal rather than the advice or suggestion of another.
When choosing a treatment model to overcome a substance use disorder or mental health concern, selecting the type of treatment best suits your needs and goals is essential. MET may not be suitable for everyone in all cases. MET is a brief therapy that might not be well suited for someone with a severe addiction or who needs urgent, comprehensive detox services before they can actively engage in treatment. MET might also be ill-suited for those who have completed an addiction treatment program previously and experience relapse.
In these cases, there are several alternatives to motivational enhancement therapy. Common examples of widely used treatment models for addiction and mental health concerns include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Also, many treatment programs incorporate family therapy, alternative therapies, and peer support groups to help address addiction (or mental health needs) from a holistic or “whole person” approach. Contact a member of our team today if you would like to learn more about how to get help for substance use disorder at Essence Health & Wellness Healing Center using MET therapy or another treatment model.
At EHW, we accept health insurance plans from most providers. If you are covered by a private or commercial insurance policy, your plan may cover your substance use and mental health treatment costs.