Motivational Approach by phone for family member of drug user: A case study

Abstract

Motivational interviewing, a collaborative intervention that stimulates the reasons to change, can be used to help family members of drug users to drive transformation in their interaction with the user. Families of drug users may develop maladaptive strategies for managing this problem, which is known as codependency. Thus, family members need to receive intervention, as they may get sick due to the conflicts arising from this interaction. The goal was to present a model of brief motivational intervention by telephone to the user’s family. We conducted a case study of a telemedicine service. The instruments used were: family attendance protocol, Contemplation Ladder and Holyoake Codependency Index. Bethany, 46 years, called to get help for her husband, an alcohol and crack user. After 6 months, Bethany was able to realize her personal needs and the consequences of her change in the dynamics of addiction. The user’s wife reduced codependency and modified permissive behavior. Telemedicine services and brief motivational interventions can promote behavioral changes in families that need attention and care in an accessible and comprehensive way.

Key words: codependency, motivational interviewing, telephone.