Predictors of motivation for substance abuse treatment in a sample of Iranian addicts

Motivation to quit substance abuse is a key element in encouraging patients to seek treatment but research to identify factors that may influence motivation has received less attention, particularly on treatment-seeking substance abusers in short-term residential camps. This study investigated predictors of motivation for substance abuse treatment among patients in short-term residential treatment. A total of 317 male substance abusers undergoing residential treatment were enrolled in this cross-sectional study and assessed typically at 5-7 days after admission. Motivation was measured by the Circumstances, Motivation, and Readiness scales (CMR). Using multiple regression analysis, factors considered to potentially predict motivation were assessed. The mean age of participants was 28.6 9 +/- 6.55 (range: 15-55) years. Participants were predominantly single (47.9%) and most were employed part-time (42.9%). Of the examined factors, perceived social support, drug avoidance self-efficacy, and drug quitting outcome expectancies emerged as important predictors of motivation (F = 9.548 with p < 0.001, R = 0.238), whereas demographic and substance use related variables did not (p > 0.05). Results of this study confirm that cognitive constructs such as perceived avoidance self-efficacy, perceived social support, and outcome expectancies need to be considered in treatment assessment and addressed in treatment implementation.