Pretreatment readiness for change in male alcohol dependent subjects: predictors of one-year follow-up status.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to test a model using pretreatment readiness for change scores (Contemplation, Determination and Action) to predict 1-year alcohol use and recovery activities (AA affiliation and having a sponsor).


METHODS
Subjects were 125 middle-aged, mostly white, high school educated, mostly unemployed, male patients who met DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence. The patients participated in a 21-day, Minnesota model, inpatient treatment program. Pretreatment readiness for change was assessed using a modified version of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES). The prediction model also included four pretreatment variables: DSM-III-R criteria, alcohol consumption, AA affiliation and presence of a sponsor. Logistic regression procedures were used to test the model.


RESULTS
High Action scores (and not having a sponsor at pretreatment) were predictive of no reported alcohol use at any time during the 1-year posttreatment period. High Determination scores (and low DSM-III-R criteria scores) were predictive of reported affiliation with AA. Having a sponsor at pretreatment and low Contemplation scores were predictive of reports having a sponsor at follow-up. There were no relationships between the pretreatment readiness for change measures and the actual quantity and frequency of alcohol consumed. There were indications that at follow-up those patients who affiliated with AA or had a sponsor consumed less alcohol than those patients who did not affiliate with AA or have a sponsor.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrated a relationship between pretreatment readiness for change and both the decision to drink and to engage in recovery activities; however, it appeared that, once drinking begins, variables other than pretreatment readiness for change influence frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption.
Isenhart
C E
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Addictive Disorders Section (116A4), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010343:Patient Admission; D010555:Personality Inventory; D013695:Temperance; D016896:Treatment Outcome