Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling technique that helps the interviewee identify internal motivation to change the client's behavior by resolving ambivalence and insecurities. The term has a similar meaning when interviewing someone with a history of substance abuse. The primary goal of motivational interviewing is to facilitate the intrinsic motivation of the person with a substance use problem to change their behavior. It is a patient-centered approach that aims to help people change problem behaviors. Likewise, it also facilitates progress towards achieving this goal by solidifying commitment to change. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Motivational interviewing is a process that can take weeks or even months. In this process, the client verbalizes the arguments in favor of changing behavior. Likewise, during this process, the client's experience of the gap between their behavior and their present or future goals can be an important motivator for change. In the past, the traditional confrontational approach was used to treat substance use problems, but this approach was not effective. Therefore, in response to concerns about this approach, motivational interviewing was developed. There is a high prevalence of substance use and adverse effects among the young population worldwide. Likewise, legal and illicit drugs like alcohol and cannabis are commonly used drugs among young people around the world. Additionally, the use of these substances is concomitant with various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Substance use is a preventable cause of adverse events such as injury, disability, mental illness, social, legal and financial consequences and death. Despite a high prevalence of substance use and adverse effects, only twenty percent of young people seek professional help. The reason for this may be the stigma associated with treatment and, furthermore, people suffering from substance use disorders do not see this as a problem. MI helps these clients better understand the problem. MI is considered an effective treatment for adult alcohol use compared to no treatment. Likewise, it has a significant impact on alcohol consumption among young people and its harmful effects. Although there are a number of interventions available for the treatment of substance use; Motivational interviewing has proven to be famous due to its effectiveness and simplicity. According to the Australian Department of Health (DoH), 2004, there are essentially five principles surrounding distinct interview technique, which are discussed further below. First, reflecting on and accepting the consequences of drug abuse is fundamental to change. Therefore, an empathic approach is the preliminary stage of MI where problems are identified. Second, clients are made aware of the costs their current behavior may have on their future. Once they are ready for change, they are taught ways to modify it, by setting goals and staying motivated. When discussing change strategies, it is not uncommon to encounter resistance from clients during the process. As an interviewer, it's easy to lose ground and argue overthe well-established misconception that drug addiction is harmful and that people must be steered away from this path at all costs. Undoubtedly, this approach has a reverse effect on customers. The defensive nature of the interview instead contributes to generating a feeling of defensiveness among clients. However, not all arguments lead to failure, as discussing opinions also serves as a platform to justify and use momentum as an advantage. It is absolutely necessary as an interviewer to understand that it is not easy to strip addiction from an individual's body and mind. In such circumstances, the primary motivation should be to listen to them and motivate them using their own strengths. This situation can be resolved by overturning resistance, which helps to encourage change in perception without imposing one. Thus, approaching with empathy, developing disagreements, avoiding disruptive arguments, and focusing on calculated discussions and supporting self-efficacy is unique to MI. A recent meta-analysis showed that MI techniques are effective in reducing alcohol, cigarette, and drug use among young adults and adolescents and contribute to high rates of treatment adherence. Similarly, an article by Sarpavaara (2015) reviews the importance of MI in identifying the importance of "significant others" in an addict's life in terms of aspiration, motivation and obstacle to change. This article highlights the fact that the role these loved ones play in the life of an abuser should not be overlooked. Similarly, an article on smoking cessation suggests that higher rates of treatment success could be achieved if counselors promoted client activation statements in favor of abstinence and often client statements in terms of desire or perceived need to smoke. Additionally, counselors' demonstration of MI spirit was a statistically significant predictor of outcome. Likewise, a study carried out on prisoners shows a positive effect of MI on their behavior. The study was carried out on three groups of prisoners who were administered IM, and at the end of the session and follow-up, there was a reduction in drug use as well as illegal activities and an increase in days of work. . Additionally, research by Donna M et al. shows that BMI (Brief Motivational Intervention) is effective in mandated and voluntary students in reducing substance use. Motivational interviewing reduces substance use among adolescents with one or more psychiatric disorders. This results in a delay in the time to first use of a substance after hospital discharge. Likewise, it reduces the frequency of any reported substance use and marijuana use in the first six months after hospital discharge. MI allows clients to overcome ambivalence regarding positive change. The counselor uses an empathetic approach to help the client analyze areas of ambivalence and, furthermore, gives the client the idea to change these areas. For example, a client who enjoys using substances might be aware of the negative effects. Customers like this usually have mixed feelings about changing their behavior. MI supports them to get out of this confusion. This helps them understand the problem better. Likewise, the therapist uses open questions and elicits talk of change from the client. This approach helps engage clients in the therapy session leading to positive change in their behavior. Keep in mind: this is just a sample..