Does Taking Steps to Control One's Drug Use Predict Entry into Treatment?

Abstract

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 and Scientific Significance: These findings suggest that practicing behaviors to control one's drug use may be a beneficial strategy for getting ready for treatment.

Keywords:

• Avoidance
• drug treatment
• drug use
• injectors
• natural recovery
• treatment readiness