The Role of Risk Perception and Self-reflection in Prediction of Motivation for Substance Dependence Treatment

Motivation for treatment is a key element in treatment and recovery of substance abuse disorders. The current study was conducted to investigate the role of risk perception and self- reflection in prediction of motivation for treatment in people with substance dependence. This survey study was conducted to determine correlation. The statistical population of this study comprised all those with substance dependence who were referring to Ardabil’s addiction treatment centers in the second half of 1392. One hundred and forty people were selected from this population through multistage random cluster sampling. They were asked to complete the questionnaires of risk perception, self- reflection and motivation for treatment. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate regression tests. motivation for treatment was positively associated with risk of drug abuse (r=0/26; p<0/003), risk of aggressive behavior (r=0/47; p<0/001), Risk of sports activities (r=0/21; p<0/015), risk of academic and professional failures (r=0/68; p<0/001), risk of sexual activity (r=0/31; p<0/001), and risk of heavy drinking (r=0/43; p<0/001). It was also positively associated with the total score of self-reflection and insight (r=0/24); p<0/006) and the need to self-reflect (r=0/42; p<0/001). Fifty percent variance of motivation for treatment was explained by risk perception and 19% was explained by self-reflection in the multiple regression analysis results. The results of this study demonstrate that high perceived risks of drug induced behavior and high ability for self-reflection can predict motivation for treatment and readiness for change in drug-dependent individuals.