Relationship between self-efficacy perceptions and in-treatment drug use among regular cocaine users.
The perceived ability to engage in situation-specific behaviors (self-efficacy) to overcome nicotine dependence and alcohol abuse has been shown to correlate significantly with and be predictive of the actual ability to engage in such behaviors. Self-efficacy is also related to subsequent behavior change during treatment and maintenance of this change after treatment termination. In this study, part of national outcome study, the relationship between self-efficacy and drug use was investigated in a subsample of regular cocaine users (n = 294) who completed at least three months of treatment in community-based outpatient treatment programs. Frequency of cocaine and other drug use was reported for the period of 1 year before treatment and a 1 month and 3 months in treatment. Self-efficacy regarding resisting drug use was measured at 1 and 3 months in treatment. Self-efficacy at 1 month was correlated with cocaine use at 1 month and self-efficacy contributed to the prediction of self-reported drug use at 1 month over and above pretreatment and demographic variables. Similarly, self-efficacy at 3 months was correlated with cocaine use at 3 months and contributed to the prediction of self-reported drug use at 3 months. These outcomes were obtained even though over 75% of subjects reported no drug use during treatment. The results supported previous findings suggesting that increased self-efficacy regarding resisting drug use is associated with lower rates of drug use during treatment, and that self-efficacy enhancement may be an important intervention in the treatment of cocaine use.
Rounds-Bryant
J L
JL
Research Triangle Institute, Substance Abuse Treatment Research Program, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
Flynn
P M
PM
Craighead
L W
LW
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003042:Cocaine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology*
D003042:Cocaine