Philosophy is based on Harm Minimisation, as a result of the risk of contracting HIV.
Thus an accessible, rapid, flexible response is needed, with a hierarchy of goals:
Change can be divided into 4 stages - precontemplation, contemplation, active change and relapse prevention. A health carer can only expect to aid a patient from one stage to the next at a time.
Motivational interviewing combines the following techniques: individual responsibility, avoidance of polarisation, denial, emphasis on personal control.
Cognitive behavioural strategies, inducing cognitive dissonance between maladaptive behaviour and self image, bolster self esteem and self efficacy.
Special techniques include drug treatments, cue exposures and family therapies.
Relapse prevention involves planning ahead, developing coping strategies and problem solving techniques.
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