Readiness to Change as a Predictor of Drug-Related Behaviors in a Sample of Rural Felony Probationers

Abstract

Objective: Relationships between readiness to change and common drug-related behaviors were explored in a sample (N = 776) of rural probationers in the state of Kentucky. Methods: Self-reported data was gathered on measures of readiness to change, frequency of marijuana use, possession of drugs/related paraphernalia, and driving while under the influence of drugs/alcohol at time periods before and after arrest. Results: Independent of the influence of demographic characteristics such as age, gender, race, and treatment history, increases in readiness to change scores were accompanied by reductions in all three drug-related behaviors. Conclusion: Readiness to change has important implications for treatment involving rural probationers.

Keywords:

• Rural probationers
• substance use
• transtheoretical model