Addiction treatment always starts with a choice: does the person want to change? Without this step, even the most modern techniques, medications and support from specialists will not work to their full potential. Motivation is the inner energy that helps the addict to endure the difficulties of rehabilitation, cope with temptations and move on, even when it seems that there is no more strength.
At Renaissance Clinic (Poland), we see that motivation is the factor that distinguishes successful recovery from temporary remission. It can change, fade and revive - and it is the task of the professionals, the family and the patient to maintain it at all stages of the journey.
Types of motivation in addicts
Motivation varies. Sometimes a person agrees to treatment under the pressure of circumstances, sometimes because of a deep inner desire. Both situations are important, but they affect the rehabilitation process in different ways.
Intrinsic motivation
It is a sincere desire to change one's life. The person realises that addiction destroys health, family, work, dreams. He or she wants to become free, regain the trust of loved ones, feel joy without alcohol or drugs. Such motivation is the strongest.
External motivation
It occurs when the addict is under pressure from circumstances: threats of divorce, job loss, problems with the law, requests from relatives. This may encourage the addict to start treatment, but if internal motivation is not formed, the risk of breakdown remains high.
Ambivalent motivation
Many patients are «at a crossroads»: they both want change and are afraid of it. This is natural. At such times, it is important to have the support of specialists who can help overcome resistance and strengthen the desire to move forward.
How to maintain the desire to get well
Even in the most determined patients, motivation does not remain equally strong. It may be high during detox, and later it may decrease due to fatigue, doubts or difficulties.
Keeping you motivated helps:
- regular meetings with a therapist to discuss doubts and difficult emotions;
- positive examples of other patients' recovery;
- Keeping success diaries: writing down what small steps you have managed to take today;
- Family support and trusting dialogue with loved ones;
- working with goals: setting realistic, achievable objectives that give a sense of progress.
At Renaissance, we often use the «small steps» technique: the patient learns to enjoy each day of sobriety, each victory over themselves.
The role of psychological support
Motivation is closely related to the extent to which a person feels that he or she is not alone. When the addict realises that he or she is heard, accepted and supported, the desire for treatment becomes stronger.
Psychological support at Renaissance Clinic includes:
- motivational interviewing - a soft dialogue method that helps a person come to a conclusion about the need for change;
- group therapy - sharing experiences with people who are going through a similar journey;
- working with relatives - teaching the family how to support them properly, without pressure or judgement;
- post-treatment support programmes - regular counselling and support groups after leaving the clinic.
It is especially important that psychologists help to cope with failure. Even if a patient has a breakdown, it is not the end of the road. In an atmosphere of trust and without judgement, a person learns to get up and move on.
Mistakes in motivation: what to avoid
Sometimes relatives, wanting to «shake up» the addict, choose the wrong strategies:
- recriminations («You've ruined everything!»);
- pressure («If you don't get treatment, I'll kick you out!»);
- comparisons («Look, the others did it and you didn't!»).
This behaviour only increases guilt and shame and therefore reduces motivation.
The right strategy is respect, patience and support. It is important for the addict to feel loved and believed in, even if they make mistakes.
How motivation changes at different stages of treatment
- Detox phase. The patient feels relieved, motivation is often high.
- The beginning of therapy. Doubts arise: «Can I do it?», «What's it all for?». The support of specialists is especially important here.
- Middle of the programme. Fatigue sets in, motivation may drop. Group therapy and success stories from others can help.
- Completion of treatment. Fear of returning home appears. Here it is important to prepare for real life and strengthen internal resources.
- After the exit. The real test. The patient needs to stay motivated when faced with temptations and stresses. Post-treatment support programmes help with this.
Motivation in addiction treatment is not an abstract word, but a living force that every day determines a person's choice: to give up or to go on. It can be internal and external, strong and weak, but it always needs support.
At Renaissance Clinic in Poland, we help patients find and strengthen their motivation and turn it into a solid foundation for recovery. Because only where there is a desire to live sober is there a chance for real change!
