FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED MOTIVATION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT AMONG PROBATIONERS

Purpose (a): Study examines the individual factors associated with motivation for substance abuse treatment among probationers. Methods (b): Preliminary data (N=103) was collected from MAPIT, a multi-site, randomized controlled trial to increase substance abuse treatment (SAT) compliance. Criminal history, HIV testing, and social support were assessed as potential predictors of motivation. The CJ CEST-Intake was used to measure motivation, desire for help (alpha=.73) and problem recognition (.88). Results (c): Nearly 40% had a court condition to attend substance abuse treatment, with 41% having attended SAT sometime prior in their lifetime. 24.3% tested positive for any illicit drug. 87% had ever been tested for HIV in their lifetime, 69% were tested in the past 12 months. 32% had ever tested positive for any STD. Desire for help was marginally associated with at least one night of homelessness in the last 90 days (F(1, 101)=3.3, p=.07), lifetime prior SAT (F(1, 101) = 43.43, p=.00), having ever tested positive for an STD (F(1, 100) = 5.30, p=.02), and testing positive for amphetamines at baseline (F(1, 91)= 4.39, p=.04). Increased problem recognition was associated with lifetime prior SAT (F(1, 100)=7.70, p=.01) and testing positive for opiates F(1, 89)= 5.28, p=.02). Having ever had a prior SAT improved both desire for help (B= .50) and problem recognition (B= .52). Conclusions (d): Information may be helpful in increasing treatment initiation and engagement. Prior SAT, positive for STDs, and drug use were associated with increased motivation. Prior treatment may be considered to assess treatment readiness.