Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam Practice Questions

Motivational Enhancement Theory (MET) primarily focuses on fostering an individual's internal motivation for change. This approach recognizes that lasting behavior change is more likely to occur when individuals are internally motivated rather than relying solely on external factors. MET employs techniques to enhance personal motivation, helping clients to identify their intrinsic reasons for wanting to change, which leads to a more committed and sustainable approach to overcoming challenges related to substance use.

By shifting the focus toward internal motivation, MET encourages individuals to explore their values, goals, and the personal significance of making changes in their lives. This intrinsic drive is essential as it empowers clients, making them feel more in control of their recovery journey. Programs based on MET may involve motivational interviewing, which is a client-centered counseling style that strengthens a person's motivation for and commitment to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

The other options do not encapsulate the core tenets of MET as effectively. While establishing treatment goals is important, it generally falls under broader therapeutic frameworks rather than being the central emphasis of MET. External rewards can sometimes provide incentives for change but do not address the internal cognition that MET seeks to enhance. Peer pressure and influence may play a role in some behavioral theories but again do not reflect the unique focus that MET has on personal