Strengths and limitations
The current study was conducted in an addiction specialist setting, and treatment was performed by highly trained and experienced therapists. By the measures of treatment integrity derived from MITI scores, we could assume that our results were based on MET performed by therapists who were adherent to MITI protocol. Further, this kind of study design gives a good understanding of perceptions in a group of individuals. It does not aim to generalize the results in a quantitative manner. Instead, descriptions of context, process of analysis, and appropriate quotations can inform and enhance readers’ understandings of how the findings can be transferred to other settings or groups.A limitation to the study is that MET sessions were primarily provided through video meetings instead of face-to-face, due to the COVID pandemic. Some participants expressed a desire to meet their therapist in person, and some also considered the video format to have affected their decision not to bring a SO. However, the video format was not mentioned as the main reason for not bringing a SO. Lastly, one limitation was that participants who were offered to participate in interviews were the ones who retained in the study at the 26-week follow-up. Hence, we did not receive information from participants who dropped out from the study prematurely (16.4%).