Drug dependence: a study of the relationship between motivational, cognitive, social and historical factors, and treatment variables.

The question of why addicts seek and remain in treatment has received very little attention. In the present study, 40 addicts requesting inpatient treatment for drug dependence were interviewed prior to admission about cognitive, motivational, social, and historical factors. These factors were investigated in relation to their association with certain treatment variables--whether or not the individual subsequently presented for admission, the manner in which inpatient treatment was terminated, and the length of stay. The factors most potent as predictors included the addict's evaluation of the drug unit itself, and social pressures from the family. Forensic factors were found to be positively related to length of admission; and motivation for treatment--a problematic concept which has frequently been regarded as tautologous--is also discussed. The results point to the complex interaction of factors associated with the addict's decision to seek treatment.