Motivation and Problem Solving (MAPS): Motivationally Based Skills Training for Treating Substance Use

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Behavioral Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Skills training and motivational strategies are key for substance abuse treatment.
• Previous hybrid approaches have shown limited efficacy.
• Motivation fluctuates dynamically throughout behavior change.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Motivation and Problem Solving (MAPS) intervention.
• Distinguish MAPS from existing hybrid and stage-based treatments.
• Detail MAPS implementation for smoking cessation and abstinence.

Main Methods:

• MAPS integrates empirically supported cognitive-behavioral and social-cognitive strategies.
• It employs an overarching motivational framework.
• A wellness program addresses individual issues relevant to change.

Main Results:

• MAPS demonstrated effectiveness in a randomized clinical trial for postpartum smoking relapse prevention.
• The intervention is applicable to substance use cessation and relapse prevention.
• MAPS enhances treatment engagement and applicability for modifying health risk behaviors.

Conclusions:

• MAPS offers a comprehensive, dynamic, and holistic approach to substance use treatment.
• It is effective regardless of an individual's motivation to change.
• MAPS improves the likelihood of achieving and maintaining abstinence.