Motivational interviewing (MI) is a therapy technique that assists people in exploring and resolving their ambivalence about change. It is a nonjudgmental, client-centered approach that focuses on the individual’s desire to improve.
Successful Approach
MI can assist those who are addicted to marijuana in a variety of ways. It may be used to help individuals in the following ways:
Investigate their motivations for wanting to change: MI can assist people in identifying the reasons they desire to stop smoking marijuana. This can help individuals be motivated to make improvements.
Make a plan to quit: MI may assist people in making a strategy to stop smoking marijuana. Setting objectives, recognizing triggers, and creating coping techniques can all be part of this strategy.
Stay inspired to change: MI can assist people in remaining motivated to change even when faced with obstacles. It can also help them in dealing with setbacks.
MI is a collaborative approach that values the individual’s autonomy. It is not a command-and-control method that tells individuals what to do. Instead, it assists people in exploring their motives and making their own transformation decisions.
MI has been demonstrated to be helpful in the treatment of a wide range of addictions, including marijuana addiction. Research published in the journal “Addiction” discovered that MI was successful in assisting persons to reduce marijuana usage and enhance their quality of life.
Fundamental MI Principles
If you or someone you love has a marijuana addiction, MI may be a viable option. It is critical to locate a therapist who is trained in MI and can assist you in exploring your reasons and making your own changing decisions.
Here are some of the fundamental MI principles:
Empathy: MI practitioners attempt to grasp the person’s perspective and perceive things from their perspective.
Rolling with resistance: MI practitioners do not argue with or try to persuade the person to change.
Instead, they attempt to comprehend the individual’s reasons for opposing change and collaborate with them to overcome those reasons.
Supporting self-efficacy: MI practitioners assist individuals in believing that they are capable of change.
Promoting autonomy: MI practitioners support individuals’ freedom to make change decisions.
If you want to learn more about MI, several resources are accessible online and in libraries.
Contact your local mental health association for a list of MI practitioners in your region.
