The role and importance of motivation in the treatment of substance abuse

Abstract

In recent years changing and dynamic client characteristics have received much attention to explain retention, processes and outcomes in drug and alcohol treatment. Particular focus has been on the role and importance of substance abusers' motivation. This paper presents an overview of the research in this field, by presenting various approaches, theories, conceptualisations and operationalisations of motivation that researchers have utilised over the past ten years. Motivational differences among substance-abusing criminal justice clients, adolescents, and those suffering from a coexisting psychiatric condition are highlighted. This is followed by a review of interventions that are designed to enhance individuals' motivation for change and treatment. Finally, issues and weaknesses of existing research are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided. 頔he Authors.