title: Problem severity and motivation for treatment in incarcerated substance abusers.
abstract: Studies of community-based treatment programs for substance users document that motivation for treatment is a consistent predictor of clients remaining under treatment for a longer period of time. Recent research has replicated this in prison-based treatment programs, implying that motivation is clinically important regardless of setting. The current study examines predictors of treatment motivation using data collected from 661 male drug-involved inmates during in-depth interviews that include components of the Addiction Severity Index, TCU Motivation Scale, and the Heath Services Research Instrument. Findings showed treatment motivation can be measured effectively in prison-based settings. Motivation scores were not significantly different between individuals in a prison-based treatment program and those in the general prison population. Furthermore, higher motivation for treatment scores were associated with greater levels of problem severity, suggesting that individuals with more drug-use related life problems may recognize this need and desire help for beginning long-term recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA. mhiller@temple.edu
authors.forename: Matthew L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.forename: Egle
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Narevic
authors.forename: J Matthew
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Staton
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leukefeld
authors.forename: Thomas F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Garrity
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kayo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*