Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling technique that helps the interviewee identify internal motivation to change the client's behavior by resolving ambivalences and insecurities. The term has a similar meaning when it comes to interviewing an individual with a history of substance abuse. The primary purpose of motivational interviewing is to facilitate the intrinsic motivation of the person with a substance use problem to change behavior. It is a patient-centered approach that aims to help people change their problematic behaviors. Likewise, it also facilitates movement towards achieving this goal by consolidating commitment to change. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Motivational interviewing is a process that could take weeks or months. In this process, the client verbalizes topics for behavior change. Likewise, during this process, the client's experience of the discrepancy between his or her behavior and present or future goals can be a significant motivating factor for change. In the past, the traditional confrontation approach was used to address substance use problems, but this approach was not effective. So, in response to concerns about this approach, motivational interviewing was developed. There is a high prevalence of substance use and adverse effects in young populations worldwide. Likewise, licit and illicit drugs such as alcohol and cannabis are commonly used drugs among the youth population around the world. Furthermore, the use of these substances is concomitant with various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Substance use is a preventable cause of adverse events such as injury, disability, mental illness, social, legal and financial consequences, and death. Despite the high prevalence of substance use and adverse effects, only 20% of young people seek professional help. The reason could be the stigma associated with treatment and also, people with substance use disorder do not see it as a problem. MI helps these patients understand the problem better. MI is considered an effective treatment for alcohol use in adults compared to no treatment. Likewise, it has a strong impact on youth alcohol consumption and its negative effects. While there are a large number of interventions available to treat substance use; Motivational interviewing has proven famous for its effectiveness and simplicity. According to the Australian Department of Health (DoH), 2004, there are basically five principles surrounding the distinct interview technique, which will be discussed later. First, reflecting on and accepting the consequences of drug abuse is critical to change. Therefore, an empathic approach is the preliminary step of MI where problems are identified. Second, customers are informed of the costs that their current behavior may have in the future. Once they are ready for change, they are taught how to modify it by setting goals and staying motivated. When discussing strategies for change it is not uncommon to encounter resistance from clients during the process. As an interviewer, it is easy to lose ground and argue the long-standing misconception that substance abuse is harmful and people must be diverted from this path at all costs. Undoubtedly, this approach backfires on customers. The defensive nature of the interview rather helps to generate a feeling of defensiveness among customers. However,not all arguments lead to failure, because arguing about opinions also serves as a platform to provide motivation and use momentum as an advantage. It is imperative as an interviewer to understand that taking away the dependence on an individual's body and mind is not easy. In such circumstances, the main motivation should be to listen to them and motivate them using their own strengths. This situation can be addressed by overcoming resistance which helps foster a change in perception without actually imposing one. Therefore, the empathic approach, the development of discrepancies, the avoidance of destructive discussions, the focus on calculated discussions and the support of self-efficacy are peculiarities of IM. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that MI techniques are effective in reducing alcohol, cigarette smoking, and drug use in younger adults and adolescents and contributes to high rates of treatment adherence. Similarly, an article by Sarpavaara (2015), examines the importance of MI in identifying the importance of “significant others” in an addict's life in terms of aspiration, motivation and barrier to change. This article highlights the fact that the role played by these close people in the life of the abuser should not be overlooked. Similarly, an article on smoking cessation suggests that higher rates of treatment success could be achieved if counselors promoted client activation statements in favor of abstinence and often client expressions in terms of a perceived desire or need to smoke . Furthermore, consultants' demonstration of the spirit of MI was a statistically significant predictor of outcome. Similarly, a study conducted on prisoners shows a positive effect of MI on their behavior. The study was conducted on three groups of prisoners who were provided with MI and, at the end of the session and follow-up, there was a reduction in drug use and illegal activities and an increase in work days. . Furthermore, research conducted by Donna M et al. shows that BMI (Brief Motivational Intervention) is effective among forced and voluntary students in reducing substance use. Motivational interviewing reduces substance use in adolescents with one or more psychiatric disorders. This results in a delay in time to first use of any substance after discharge from hospital. Likewise, it reduces the frequency of any substance use and reported marijuana use during the first six months after hospital discharge. MI enables clients to overcome ambivalence about positive change. The counselor uses an empathic approach to help the client analyze the areas of ambivalence and, furthermore, provides the client with the idea to change those areas. For example, a client who enjoys substance use may be aware of the negative effect. Clients like this usually have mixed feelings about the change in their behavior. It helps me to get out of this confusion. It helps them understand the problem better. Likewise, the therapist uses open-ended questions and elicits talk of change from the client. This approach helps engage clients in the therapy session leading to a positive change in behavior. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay One of the biggest challenges in substance use patient is treatment adherence. MI improves client engagement and increases treatment adherence by bringing out one's motivation. The therapist explores and resolves the ambivalence that.