Motivation: Primary Obstacles In The Recovery Process

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Analysis Paper 5- Motivation Ed Potter
Motivation is often one of the primary obstacles in getting an individual to engage in the recovery process. Having worked in both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, I have experienced both motivated clients and unmotivated clients. Motivated clients enter treatment looking to change their lives. Those who are motivated have acknowledged that their lives have become unmanageable and are looking to recover. By entering treatment they are seeking professional assistance to help them overcome their addiction and get their lives back on track. The unmotivated clients may not in be denial about their problems, but quite frankly do not care at all about change and are only seeking a “break” …show more content…

Usually those who have this mindset have entered treatment for one reason or another related to (most cases the possibility of going to jail) not wanting to detox “cold turkey”. Similarly, I have had clients who are in treatment because of legal stipulations, family pressure, trying to save a relationship, or a host of other plausible reasons that do not necessarily relate to them wanting to be in there, but have entered treatment anyway. If an individual enters treatment based upon an external factor, it may appear as though they are unmotivated. However, I prefer to categorize these clients as the, “Fake it until you make it” group. Not motivated, but also not necessarily unmotivated, hope remains. The fact that they are in treatment allows the possible to exist that they may become receptive to recovery. Regardless if they wanted to be there or not, the interactions and services these individuals receive will ultimately be a significant factor in what they plan on doing with their lives following treatment. Based on my experiences, and realistically speaking, there would be certain behaviors displayed by motivated and unmotivated clients, as well as from staff, that would be seen in accordance to motivational concepts and techniques when an individual walked into my …show more content…

In turn, the goal is that a positive community atmosphere is created. Motivated clients would communicate with staff to make sure the certain community needs were met such as having an available supply of tobacco, and making sure the newer members felt comfortable and their concerns were addressed. Often time’s clients come to treatment with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The motivated clients would serve as “big brother / big sister” role to ensure that they the new members had clean clothes; any cosmetics that they may need, and help them get adjusted to treatment. Having these responsibilities allows the client to feel a sense of purpose. Also, if a client was unmotivated for change, by associating with a peer who has a more positive outlook the goal is that they may be more inclined to become

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