Problem severity and motivation for treatment in incarcerated substance abusers.
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.
Hiller
Matthew L
ML
Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA. mhiller@temple.edu
Narevic
Egle
E
Webster
J Matthew
JM
Rosen
Paul
P
Staton
Michele
M
Leukefeld
Carl
C
Garrity
Thomas F
TF
Kayo
Rebecca
R
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*