DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/FBR4-Y959
Defense Date
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dace Svikis
Abstract
The effectiveness of drug abuse treatment for clients coerced into care remains controversial. Some studies find clients with legal pressure do better than those without legal pressure, while others report the exact opposite. Opposing views are often fueled by the wide-ranging models that guide delivery of addiction treatment. The present study examined how participants with and without legal pressure to attend treatment responded to a motivational (MET) vs. traditional (TAU) form of addiction treatment. Additionally, the predictive value of the Readiness to Change (RTC) score, from the URICA, was assessed across days of substance use and treatment retention. Legal status was shown to have a significant effect on days of primary substance use per week and treatment retention, regardless of intervention condition. The RTC score was shown not to be predictive of days of primary substance use or treatment retention. Research and clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
May 2012