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The case for high-dose motivational enhancement therapy
Douglas L Polcin1, Gantt P Galloway, James Palmer
1Haight Ashbury Free Clinics Research, Education, and Training, San Francisco, California 94117, USA. dpolcin@hafci.org
Substance Use & Misuse
|April 6, 2004
Summary
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) shows promise for substance use issues. This article argues for a higher dose of MET, citing research on treatment length and dose-response relationships in psychotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a brief intervention for substance use disorders.
- MET integrates the stages of change model and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
- Existing research supports MET's efficacy in enhancing motivation and reducing substance use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for a higher-dose model of Motivational Enhancement Therapy.
- To address the limited research comparing MET to more intensive treatments.
- To explore the potential benefits of increased MET dosage.
Main Methods:
- Review of descriptive studies on treatment length and outcome.
- Analysis of randomized psychotherapy trials for other disorders demonstrating dose-response effects.
- Conceptual examination of psychotherapy processes and intensity.
Main Results:
- Treatment length is a recognized predictor of therapeutic outcomes.
- Dose-response relationships are evident in psychotherapy for conditions like depression.
- Theoretical considerations support the potential impact of increased treatment intensity.
Conclusions:
- A higher-dose MET model warrants further investigation for substance use disorders.
- Increased treatment intensity may enhance therapeutic efficacy.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal MET dosing strategies.