Table 1.

MISO behavior codes

SO code	Description	Example
Giving information-general	General information (e.g. regarding client’s family or career) from the SO about the client that does not pertain to the client’s drinking.	He travels Monday through Friday for work.
Giving information-drinking	Information from the SO about the client’s drinking.	She drinks with her friends after work.
Encourage/support	Statements of encouragement or support that relate either generally to the client or to the client’s drinking.	I’ll do whatever I can to help her – drive to AA meetings, bring her to treatment - whatever it takes.
Giving advice	Advice, suggestions, or possible solutions provided by the SO regarding the client’s behavior.	You should go to an AA meeting every day.
Discuss self	Information, either general or drinking-related, that the SO provides about himself or herself.	I’ve been attending Al-Anon meetings.
Direct	When the SO tells the client what to do. The commands may be about the client’s drinking or general behavior.	You cannot continue to go to the bars after work.
Confront	Direct disagreements with the client. Expressions of disapproval, shame or criticisms.	I’ve heard him say this over and over. I don’t know that he will ever stop drinking.
Change talk	SO statements that can be categorized into one of the following forms of speech: Desire, Ability, Reasons, Need, Commitment, Taking steps toward the client making a change in his or her drinking.	I really want her to stop drinking. It’s killing her.
Sustain talk	Statements that minimize the client’s drinking. Includes doubting client’s ability to quit drinking and positive statements about client’s drinking.	He’s a lot of fun when drinking.
Follow/neutral	Responses from the SO that are not captured by the other behavior categories.	I don’t know.