Motivation and Readiness for Drug Treatment: Differences by Modality and Special Populations

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to expand our knowledge of motivational factors among admissions to various substance abuse treatment modalities and among those entering special programs. Differences in motivation are reported in a convenience sample of more than 6,000 admissions to 38 programs. Results from multilevel analyses show (a) an ordered increase in motivation by settings from referral to outpatient, to methadone maintenance, and to the highest levels in residential programs and (b) significantly lower motivation among admissions to programs for special populations. Results are discussed in relation to the demand characteristics of treatment and non-recovery reasons for entering treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance abuse treatment
• motivation
• drug use
• recovery
• treatment modalities

FUNDING

This research was conducted under NIDA Grants # R01 DA07377, and P50 DA0770.