Introduction
goal-related behaviors, AUD
DISORDERS
Motivation is essential for a person to achieve behavior change and maintain goal-related behaviors [Since the introduction of MI more than 30 years ago, several meta-analyses have been conducted to investigate its effectiveness [Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a manualized version of MI for the treatment of alcohol use disorders (AUD) that was introduced in the 1990s as one of three interventions investigated in Project MATCH [Although outcomes of MI and MET have been studied extensively, studies involving patient perspectives on the treatments are lacking [Taken together, MET is scientifically proven to be effective in terms of reducing alcohol consumption and related consequences. Despite this, patient experiences of MET are not well-investigated, more specifically as regards how the main aim of MET—to support and maintain change—is achieved from the patient perspective. In the current study, the aim was to investigate patient experiences and thoughts on participating in MET. Further, the aim was to explore which treatment features, if any, were perceived as helpful, and if patients experienced that MET treatment was sufficient to achieve the desired change in drinking behavior.