Lot of discussion recently at Janus about 'motivation' for treatment. Some folks coming into treatment seem highly motivated to take advantage of what is offered, others not so much.
One would think that the reason why someone comes into treatment might help us understand motivation, but it doesn't seem to. Almost everyone who comes to treatment has an outside 'motivator': a family member, a boss, a judge- someone has strongly suggested that they seek treatment. Some folks decide on their own, but those are really the minority.
Over the years I've seen lots of people in treatment who had to be in treatment or in jail, and they frequently drop and go to jail. Others leave even though an important relationship, like a marriage, or the custody of their children is at stake. So I'm not sure that the 'motivator' is important, in fact I don't think it important at all.
What I do see in those who stay is that there is an awakening early on in the process when people realize that they are not alone in the misery brought on by addiction, and that there is a way out. They also 'connect' with staff or fellow clients, or a fellowship, and understand that many others have found a way to make sobriety a way of life.
One has to let go of a lot of anger and personal history to move forward. Some can, some don't, but the motivator doesn't seem to much of a factor.
Chime in! Love to hear what you think.
