In treating Substance Use Disorder, what is the focus of motivational enhancement strategies?

In treating Substance Use Disorder, motivational enhancement strategies primarily focus on helping clients to identify and cultivate their own intrinsic motivations for change. This approach is grounded in the understanding that individuals are more likely to commit to change when it aligns with their personal values and goals. By assisting clients in recognizing their own reasons for wanting to change, therapists can facilitate a sense of autonomy and empowerment, fostering a more sustainable commitment to treatment.

This method contrasts with other approaches that may emphasize compliance or acknowledge failures without guiding the client toward self-directed motivation. External motivators can be effective in the short term but may not lead to lasting change, as reliance on them can undermine a client's sense of personal agency. Thus, the core of motivational enhancement strategies is about nurturing a client's personal motivation, which can ultimately lead to more successful outcomes in their treatment for substance use disorders.