The predictive factors of readiness for treatment in stimulant substance abusers

Readiness for treatment is affected by some factors that their identification helps greatly to detect the rate of treatment readiness among substance abusers and to plan interventions for effective treatment readiness. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive factors of treatment readiness in stimulant substance abusers. In this cross-sectional study، 123 stimulant substance abusers in outpatients and self-referred to clinics of substance abuse in Tehran were selected by convenience sampling. Assessment was performed by the Pre-treatment Readiness Scale (PRS)، Barriers Questionnaire and Demographical Characteristic Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regressions by PASW software. There was a significantly positive relationship between problem recognition and desire for change with treatment readiness. There was a significantly negative relationship between severity of substance abuse’s effects and perceived barriers for treatment with treatment readiness as well (P<0. 001). Using problem recognition، desire for change، severity of substance abuse’s effects، and perceived barriers for treatment significantly predicted the treatment readiness (P<0. 001). All of them explained 86% of the treatment readiness variance (R2=0/866). Problem recognition، desire for change، severity of substance abuse’s effects، and perceived barriers for treatment are important for the treatment readiness of stimulant substances abusers. Assessment and appropriate intervention in readiness for the treatment of stimulant substance abusers are important and necessary before their complete admission for treatment.