When people are trying to change their substance use, the addiction treatment model is to focus on the negative consequences you’ve experienced and will keep experiencing due to your heavy use to motivate you to not drink/drug. The problem with the addiction treatment model’s logic in this regard, is that people are not motivated by fear – they are motivated by the benefits they perceive they will get from an activity. This is not a small point. Many people who continue to struggle are still trying to motivate themselves by fear, rather than focusing on the benefits of making the change. Freedom Model co-creators Mark and Michelle explain how you can shift your thinking from focusing on the high costs of use to focusing on the benefits of adjusting your substance use – drinking/drugging less or abstaining completely.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Addiction Solution Podcast on your favorite streaming service so you can be notified every time a new episode is released.