NCJ Number
191730
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 36 Issue: 6/7 Dated: 2001 Pages: 687-700
Date Published
2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article examines the assessment tool used to determine stages of change status among crack cocaine users.
Abstract
“Readiness for change” is a concept that has been linked with successful drug user treatment. The intent of this study was to examine readiness for change with in-treatment crack cocaine users. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) was used to assess stages of change status with a group of 235 crack/cocaine users who had received treatment for their drug use. Cluster analyses were performed and three subgroups representing differing levels of readiness to change were identified. The cluster groups were Preparation, Participation, and Maintenance. URICA consists of 32 items, eight items related to each of the four stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance. Results show there were no significant changes between admission and completion on any of the four stages. It might appear that during treatment these clients would have exhibited growing involvement with the treatment process and therefore move into the more motivated or ready-for-treatment categories. This proved not to be the case in this study with mean scores remaining flat from intake to discharge. The three clusters showed no significant differences on most demographic characteristics and other areas of functioning assessed by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The three clusters showed similar improvements between the intake and six-month follow-up in these ASI life domains. Level of functioning is not related to readiness for change, either at admission to treatment or six months following treatment. The treatment admission finding may indicate that substance users readiness to make changes is independent of the degree of impairment they are experiencing due to the consequences of substance use. 4 tables, 28 references