Group motivational interviewing: Evaluation of a manualized program for clients mandated to substance abuse treatment

Personal motivation is believed to be a major factor in whether or not people alter their substance-abusing behaviors. Unfortunately, an increasing number of individuals entering substance abuse treatment do so as the result of external pressure and have little or no internal motivation to change their behaviors. Recently, research that focuses on the challenge of enhancing motivation for change in this population has increased. In addition, a number of manualized treatments utilizing motivational techniques have been created. A program evaluation was conducted to provide an initial investigation of the feasibility and promise of a manualized motivational approach with mandated substance abuse clients. Clients who completed this treatment program were found to move to more advanced stages of change over the course of the treatment, although there were no changes found in substance use or treatment attendance. Discussion of findings, study limitations, and suggestions for future research are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)