What were the negative consequences of drinking?
The therapist should show the client the self-monitoring record handout and demonstrate its use by recording the above responses on it. The therapist should summarize with the client the apparent determinants of drinking in this episode and follow up by asking for other examples. Motivation (5 minutes) At this point, if clients are sufficiently engaged, the therapist can try to boost motivation by expressing confidence in their ability to do well in treatment. The therapist may also help the client review reasons to stop drinking and may elicit examples of the client’s successes in the past (e.g., longest period of abstinence or controlled drinking to date). The therapist should commend the patient for making this effort now. Contract and Ground Rules (10 minutes) The therapist needs to stress at this point that treatment can help but that it will require certain commitments on the part of the client. The therapist will be there to help the client figure out how to deal with alcohol pr
