Does taking steps to control one's drug use predict entry into treatment?
BACKGROUND
Treatment readiness has been shown to predict entry and success in drug treatment programs.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between treatment readiness (defined as engaging in activities to control one's drug use) and enrolling in drug treatment.


METHODS
Longitudinal data collected through face-to-face interviews (March 2004-February 2007, NIDA-funded) from 585 injectors in Baltimore were analyzed.


RESULTS
Avoiding buying drugs and drug-related people and places were associated with entering treatment at follow-up. Also, the more activities one engaged in, the greater likelihood of entering drug treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that practicing behaviors to control one's drug use may be a beneficial strategy for getting ready for treatment.
Davey-Rothwell
Melissa
M
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. mdavey@jhsph.edu
Frydl
Andrea
A
Latkin
Carl
C
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*