Motivational Enhancement (ME) First/ME After

In Kansas City, those in need of treatment for substance use disorders total more than 435,000. Only eight percent have access to treatment. Seventy percent of those calling First Call must wait at least six weeks to begin treatment for a substance use disorder. Fifty-two percent of individuals on a waiting list report a decline in interest to enter treatment.

Access to drug and alcohol treatment is essential for those choosing recovery. First Call provides ME First/ME After (ME=Motivational Enhancement) outpatient programs for those who are on a waiting list for residential treatment, as well as those reintegrating back into their community after treatment. The curriculum-based program is designed to help clients maintain the motivation to live in a healthy state of recovery. The primary focus is to enhance motivation for change through a combination of educational content, individual counseling and interpersonal processes. ME First/ME After connect participants to the additional resources they need--including housing, employment, education, psychotherapy, health care and child care services.

The goal of ME First/ME After is to address the gap in treatment resources for individuals waiting to be admitted to treatment for substance abuse or who are reintegrating back into the community after treatment by supporting motivation for change, increasing wellness and decreasing recidivism.

Over 200 clients participated in the ME First program in 2013. Approximately 80% of these clients completed the program and entered treatment for substance abuse with increased motivation for change.

In 2013, 234 clients participated in the ME First program. Upon completion of the program, 82% entered treatment with sustained and increased motivation for change.