Motivation and addiction behaviour: a psychological perspective

Abstract

In this paper traditional ideas about motivation and the addiction behaviours are critically considered. It is proposed that rather than viewing motivation as a static quality that clients either have or have not, motivation is more usefully perceived as the balance between the costs and benefits of undertaking any behaviour, juxtaposed with the costs and benefits of ceasing the behaviour. It is also proposed that confrontation approaches, rather than inducing motivation, actually increase the client's resistance. Motivational interventions therefore need to be based on a client-generated inventory of problems and concerns rather than a therapist-dictated one. A decision-making framework for motivational intervention is emphasized and the effectiveness of motivational strategies based on this paradigm is considered.