Motivational interviewing for substance abuse

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client‐centred, semi‐directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. The intervention is used widely, and therefore it is important to find out whether it helps, harms or is ineffective.

This Cochrane review assessed the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for substance use on drug use, retention in treatment, readiness to change, and the number of repeat convictions.

Key Findings:

The results in this review are based on 59 studies. The results show that people who have received MI have reduced their use of substances more than people who have not received any treatment. However, it seems that other active treatments, treatment as usual and being assessed and receiving feedback can be as effective as motivational interviewing.

The authors recommend that further research is needed to draw further conclusions.