Motivational Interviewing for Addiction at We Level Up
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Reviewed / Updated: July 31, 2026 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Privacy Policy
By We Level Up | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy
At We Level Up, we offer Adderall addiction therapy across seven accredited facilities in Florida, Texas, California, Washington, and New Jersey. Each location is staffed by licensed physicians, psychologists, and therapists who deliver individualized care.
We Level Up Treatment Centers is an AHCA-licensed facility that provides compassionate treatment. Many people know they need help for addiction but feel unsure about making a change. These mixed feelings are common and can make recovery more difficult. Our Addiction Treatment Programs help individuals build the confidence needed to begin healing.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counseling approach that helps people discover their own reasons for recovery. Instead of telling people what to do, therapists help them explore their goals, values, and motivation for change.
At We Level Up Treatment Centers, Motivational Interviewing is combined with other evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help clients stay engaged in treatment and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Understanding Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a type of talk therapy. It helps people who are not sure they want to change. Many people with addiction want to stop using drugs or alcohol, but they also feel scared or unsure. MI helps people find their own reasons to get better.
William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick created Motivational Interviewing in the early 1980s. Today, many addiction treatment programs use MI because it helps people start treatment, stay in treatment, and keep working on recovery.
MI is not about telling people what to do. The therapist does not argue, blame, or judge. Instead, the therapist listens, asks easy questions, and helps the person think about what is important in life. This helps people feel more ready to make healthy changes.
What to Expect: How Motivational Interviewing Works
Motivational Interviewing is something you do with your therapist. You work together to talk about your goals, your worries, and what makes change hard. The therapist helps you move at a pace that feels right for you.
A session may include:
- Building trust. The therapist gives you a safe place to talk.
- Talking about mixed feelings. You talk about why you use drugs or alcohol and how they have changed your life.
- Finding your own reason to change. You may talk about your family, health, work, or future.
- Building confidence. You look at your strengths and remember things you have done well before.
- Making a simple plan. You leave with small steps that help you move forward.
MI does not make people change. It helps people become ready to change. As people become more ready, they often take part in treatment, learn healthy skills, and keep working toward recovery.
How Motivational Interviewing Helps Addiction Recovery
Addiction can change the way people think, feel, and live. Many people want to stop using drugs or alcohol, but they also feel afraid of change. Motivational Interviewing helps people talk about these feelings without fear of being judged. The therapist helps the person find their own reason to recover.
As people feel more ready, they often join treatment, keep appointments, practice healthy habits, and work toward their goals. They begin making choices that fit the life they want.
Examples include:
- A person who drinks every day may decide they want better health so they can be with their children.
- A person using opioids may be afraid of withdrawal. The therapist helps them learn that treatment can make recovery safer.
- A young adult using stimulants may see that drug use is hurting school or work. They make small goals with the therapist.
- A person who has relapsed may think recovery is not possible. The therapist helps them remember past progress and keep trying.
When people find their own reason to change, they are often more willing to stay in treatment, make healthy choices, and keep working toward long-term recovery.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that motivation can change throughout recovery, and supportive, evidence-based counseling can help people stay engaged in treatment. The Mayo Clinic also notes that behavioral therapies play an important role in helping people change unhealthy behaviors and build lasting recovery skills.
Questions About Our Facilities or Programs?
Getting help can feel hard. Many people do not know where to start. Our admissions team is here all day and all night to help. We answer questions about treatment, insurance, and the care we offer.
We can explain your treatment choices, check your insurance, and help you find the right program. We want to make the first step easy and help you begin recovery.
We Level Up Treatment Centers provides nationwide medical detox, addiction treatment, dual diagnosis, and mental health services through multiple accredited treatment centers across the United States, with locations in Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Allenwood, Blackwood, Lawrenceville, Fairfield, Seattle, and Spokane Valley. Individuals recovering from substance use disorders may also benefit from Medication Assisted Treatment, which combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies when clinically appropriate.
Benefits of Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing helps people get ready for change. It helps people believe they can get better and keep working on recovery. The therapist listens, supports, and does not judge. This helps people feel safe and ready to talk.
Motivational Interviewing can:
- Help people want to stop using drugs or alcohol.
- Help people feel less afraid of change.
- Build confidence to make better choices.
- Help people stay active in treatment.
- Support long-term recovery.
- Improve trust between the person and the therapist.
- Help people avoid relapse.
- Work well with other addiction treatments.
How Motivational Interviewing Is Used at We Level Up
At We Level Up Treatment Centers, Motivational Interviewing is part of addiction treatment from the beginning. Therapists use it to help people feel ready for change and stay involved in care.
Motivational Interviewing is often used with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, Family Therapy, medication-assisted treatment when needed, and relapse prevention. Using these treatments together helps people learn healthy ways to handle problems and build a strong recovery.
In therapy sessions, people talk about what they want for their future and what may be holding them back. The therapist helps them make small goals they can reach. As people gain confidence, they often take a bigger role in treatment and keep moving forward in recovery.
| Study | Treatment Implications | Insights for Patients |
|---|---|---|
| Motivational Interviewing to Improve Treatment Engagement and Outcome in Subjects Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse Review Study | In a multisite RCT with 423 substance users entering outpatient treatment, MI techniques were integrated into the intake/evaluation. MI increased retention over the first 28 days, but did not produce significant reductions in substance use at 28 or 84 days. | Incorporating MI early (at intake/evaluation) can help reduce early dropouts. Programs should train and supervise clinicians so that MI is delivered with fidelity. Early retention is important even if short‑term substance use change is not yet evident. |
| Motivational Interviewing and Treatment Retention among Drug User Patients: A Pilot Study View Source | Heroin users assigned to MI vs control showed significantly higher retention at 6 months: ~50% vs ~20%. | MI may be particularly useful in drug‑free (non‑medication) outpatient contexts to reduce dropout. For programs working with heroin addiction, retention is critical for enabling other interventions (counselling, support) to take effect. |
| Cochrane Review: Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse Read Article | Meta‑analysis of ~59 RCTs, ~13,342 participants. MI had a moderate effect compared to no intervention right after it happened. The effect size was weaker in the short and medium term. It was not significant in the long-term follow-up. MI vs treatment‑as‑usual or other active interventions generally showed no strong advantage. | MI is better than doing nothing. However, when other active treatments are available, MI can be one of many helpful options. To maintain gains, booster sessions or combining MI with other therapies might be needed. Monitoring long‑term outcomes is important. |
| Clinician Acquisition and Retention of MI Skills: A Two-and-a‑Half‑Year Exploratory Study View Study | This study looked at how clinicians learn MI and how well they maintain skill over ~2.5 years. It found that skills decline without ongoing coaching, supervision, and feedback. | Training is not enough; programs need to provide ongoing support, fidelity checks, and refresher training to retain MI quality. Clinician skill directly affects outcomes. |
| Examining Motivational Interviewing in Drug Abuse Therapy Read Review | MI may be particularly useful in drug‑free (non‑medication) outpatient contexts to reduce dropout. For programs working with heroin addiction, retention is critical for enabling other interventions (counseling, support) to take effect. | Single sessions may not be enough. This is especially true if they move too quickly to change planning or feedback before building enough motivation. Therapists should attend to patient readiness and avoid moving too fast. Additional sessions/follow-ups may be necessary for lasting change. |
Types of Disorders Treated by Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing helps people with drug, alcohol, and mental health problems. It is used with other kinds of treatment. At We Level Up, it is part of a care plan made for each person. It helps people feel ready to change, stay in treatment, and keep moving toward recovery.
Substance Use Disorders
Some people want to stop using drugs or alcohol but do not know how to begin. Others are not sure they are ready to quit. Motivational Interviewing helps people talk about these feelings. It helps them find their own reasons to change and take small steps toward recovery.
It may be used to help treat:
- Alcohol addiction
- Opioid addiction
- Fentanyl addiction
- Prescription drug misuse
- Cocaine addiction
- Methamphetamine addiction
- Marijuana addiction
- Benzodiazepine addiction
- Polysubstance addiction
Mental Health Disorders
Many people with addiction also have mental health problems. These problems can make recovery harder. Motivational Interviewing helps people keep coming to treatment, stay focused on recovery, and make healthy choices.
It may be used with treatment for:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Co-Occurring Disorders
Some people have both addiction and a mental health problem. This is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Both problems need care because one can make the other worse. Treating both at the same time can help people feel better, stay in recovery, and lower the chance of relapse.
Common co-occurring disorders include:
- Alcohol addiction and depression
- Opioid addiction and anxiety
- PTSD and substance use disorder
- ADHD and stimulant addiction
- Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder
- OCD and substance misuse
Skip To:
Learn More:
- Benefits of Solution-Focused Therapy
- Treatment & Therapy For Drug Addiction & Abuse
- What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- What Is EMDR Therapy & How Effective Is It?
- Family Therapy For Addiction & Substance Abuse
- Recreational Therapy Programs & Activities
- What Is Biofeedback Therapy & What To Expect?
- Understanding The Purpose Of Group Therapy
Expressing Empathy
Your therapist will start by expressing empathy and understanding. They will acknowledge your feelings without judgment so you feel heard and understood. In doing so, they can gradually explore sensitive topics, allowing you to consider change.
Developing Discrepancy
At this stage, your therapist will help you see the differences between your current actions and your goals or values.
They will guide you in exploring the pros and cons of your choices. This process helps you feel motivated to change. You will see the results of your actions and the benefits of positive change.
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7/365 Line (844) 597-1011Motivational Interviewing Statistics
A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reviewed and analyzed randomized controlled trials. This research focused on using motivational interviewing as the main method.
1
More than 1 encounter with the patient confirms the effectiveness of MI.
Source: NCBI
64%
When using MI in brief 15-minute sessions, 64% of the studies showed an effect.
Source: NCBI
75%
In approximately three out of four studies, MI exhibited significant and clinically relevant development, resulting in equal physiological (72%) and psychological (75%) outcomes.
Source: NCBI
Models of Motivation Interviewing
Starting treatment may feel hard, but you do not have to do it by yourself. Our admissions team is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and help you get started. We explain your treatment choices and help you find the care that is right for you.
Before treatment begins, we can check your insurance for free. We explain what your insurance may cover and talk about payment options if needed. We work to make the process easy, so you can focus on getting better.
1. Contact Our Admissions Team
Call We Level Up Treatment Centers any time. Our team will listen, answer your questions, and explain your treatment options.
2. Complete a Private Assessment
A treatment professional will ask about your health, drug or alcohol use, and recovery goals. This helps us learn what kind of care you need.
3. Verify Your Insurance
Our admissions team can check your insurance benefits before treatment starts. We explain your coverage and answer any questions about costs.
4. Begin Treatment
After your treatment plan is ready, you can begin care. Your team will support you through treatment and help you build skills for recovery.
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(844) 597-1011Frequently Asked Questions
What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a type of talk therapy. It helps people find their own reasons to change. The therapist listens, asks simple questions, and helps the person feel ready to get better.
How does Motivational Interviewing help addiction?
It helps people talk about why they want to stop using drugs or alcohol. As they find their own reasons to change, they often take part in treatment and keep working on recovery.
How long does Motivational Interviewing take to work?
Some people feel better after a few sessions. Others use it during their full treatment program. It depends on the person and their needs.
Does Motivational Interviewing help stop relapse?
Yes. It helps people stay focused on recovery, make better choices, and keep using healthy coping skills. These things can lower the chance of relapse.
Can Motivational Interviewing be used with other treatments?
Yes. It is often used with CBT, Group Therapy, Family Therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and relapse prevention. Using more than one treatment can help people recover.
Is Motivational Interviewing covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans help pay for addiction treatment that includes Motivational Interviewing. Our admissions team can check your insurance and explain your benefits.
How is Motivational Interviewing different from CBT?
Motivational Interviewing helps people get ready to change. CBT helps people change unhealthy thoughts and actions. Many people use both as part of their treatment.
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“You’re born for a purpose!!” Motivational Mental Health Quotes. Best Quotes about Mental Health.
Getting mental health and addiction treatment is important. It helps you take back control of your life. It also helps you break free from the harmful cycle of addiction. It’s an opportunity to reclaim your physical and mental well-being, repair relationships, and forge a brighter future.
The treatment provides you with the necessary tools, support, and guidance to address the underlying causes of your addiction. By addressing these root issues, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms and strategies for long-term recovery.
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Search We Level Up Motivational Interviewing, Detox, Mental Health Topics & Resources
Resources
Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment – This page discusses how Motivational Interviewing (MI) is utilized in addiction treatment to help individuals resolve ambivalence and embrace their treatment efforts.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – Explains the structure and benefits of PHP, including how MI is integrated to support clients in maintaining motivation for change.
Addiction Counseling Near Me – Provides information on finding addiction counseling services, including the application of MI to enhance motivation for recovery.
Drug Counseling Services – Details the various drug counseling services offered, highlighting the role of MI in addressing substance use disorders.
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction – Discusses the intersection of bipolar disorder and addiction, and how MI can be effective in treating individuals with co-occurring conditions.
Sources
[1] Stein LA, Lebeau-Craven R. Motivational Interviewing and Relapse Prevention for DWI: A Pilot Study. J Drug Issues. 2002 Fall;32(4):1051-1070. doi 10.1177/002204260203200403. PMID: 20485471; PMCID: PMC2871705.
[2] Trends & Statistics – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
[3] Bischof G, Bischof A, Rumpf HJ. Motivational Interviewing: An Evidence-Based Approach for Use in Medical Practice. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2021 Feb 19;118(7):109-115. doi 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0014. PMID: 33835006; PMCID: PMC8200683.
[4] Empowering Change: Motivational Interviewing – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
[5] USING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN – Advisory 35 – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
[6] Motivational Interviewing Strategies to Engage Patients – Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (.gov)
[7] Motivational Interviewing for the Prevention of Alcohol Misuse in Young Adults – https://health.gov/healthypeople/tools-action/browse-evidence-based-resources/motivational-interviewing-prevention-alcohol-misuse-young-adults
[8] Motivational Interviewing and Managing Homelessness – Veterans Affairs (.gov) https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/nchav/docs/3m_MI.pdf
[9] Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model of Change – Department of Education (.gov)