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The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Motivational interviewing for substance abuse.
Geir Smedslund1, Rigmor C Berg, Karianne T Hammerstrøm
1Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Postboks 7004, St. Olavs plass, Oslo, N-0130, Norway.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 13, 2011
Summary
Motivational interviewing (MI) effectively reduces substance abuse compared to no intervention, though evidence quality is low. Further research is needed to confirm these findings for addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Millions worldwide suffer from alcohol and drug use disorders.
- Motivational interviewing (MI) is a widely used client-centered approach to enhance motivation for change.
- Assessing the efficacy of MI in substance abuse treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) for substance abuse.
- Key outcomes include drug use, treatment retention, readiness to change, and recidivism.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 59 randomized controlled trials involving 13,342 participants.
- Studies compared MI or motivational enhancement therapy against various control groups (no-treatment, treatment as usual, assessment/feedback, other active treatments).
- Data were analyzed for post-intervention, short, medium, and long-term follow-ups.
Main Results:
- MI significantly reduced substance use compared to no treatment, with effects strongest immediately post-intervention and diminishing over time.
- No significant differences were found between MI and treatment as usual.
- MI showed benefits over assessment and feedback at medium follow-up, but not short-term.
Conclusions:
- Motivational interviewing demonstrates effectiveness in reducing substance abuse when compared to no intervention.
- The current evidence base is largely of low quality.
- Further research is essential to solidify confidence in the estimated effects of MI for substance abuse treatment.
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