PRETREATMENT READINESS FOR CHANGE IN MALE ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT SUBJECTS - PREDICTORS OF ONE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STATUS

Objective: The objective of this study was to test a model using pretr eatment readiness for change scores (Contemplation, Determination and Action) to predict 1-year alcohol use and recovery activities (AA affi liation and having a sponsor). Method: Subjects were 125 middle-aged, mostly white, high school educated, mostly unemployed, male patients w ho met DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence. The patients partici pated in a 21-day, Minnesota model, inpatient treatment program. Pretr eatment readiness for change was assessed using a modified version of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES ). The prediction model also included four pretreatment variables: DSM -III-R criteria, alcohol consumption, AA affiliation and presence of a sponsor. Logistic regression procedures were used to test the model. Results: High Action scores (and not having a sponsor at pretreatment) were predictive of no reported alcohol use at any time during the 1-y ear posttreatment period. High Determination scores (and low DSM-III-R criteria scores) were predictive of reported affiliation with AA. Hav ing a sponsor at pretreatment and low Contemplation scores were predic tive of reports of having a sponsor at followup. There were no relatio nships between the pretreatment readiness for change measures and the actual quantity and frequency of alcohol consumed. There were indicati ons that at follow-up those patients who affiliated with AA or had a s ponsor consumed less alcohol than those patients who did not affiliate with AA or have a sponsor. Conclusions: These results demonstrated a relationship between pretreatment readiness for change and both the de cision to drink and to engage in recovery activities; however, it appe ared that, once drinking begins, variables other than pretreatment rea diness for change influence frequency and quantity of alcohol consumpt ion.