Socioemotional predictors of motivation for abstinence in alcohol addicts

Abstract

Motivation for abstinence is one of the most significant predictors of the patient's treatment engagement and completion, as well as the treatment outcome. Since this complex process has not been sufficiently studied, in clinical practice the need for a better understanding and perception of it has arisen, namely due to its significant contribution to hospital care programs. The aim of this study was to identify the socio-emotional predictors of motivation for abstinence in patients undergoing treatment for a minimum of 12 days. The study involved 72 volontary participants from Department of Alcohol Program in one psychiatric hospital. Motivation for abstinence was studied using the SOCRATES questionnaire which, along with the subscales of ambivalence, recognition and taking steps, represents a criterion. Demographic variables, emotional regulation and control, instrumental and emotional support seeking, life satisfaction, positive and negative emotions and flourishing were examined as potential predictors. Regression analysis showed that emotional regulation and control and instrumental and emotional support seeking significantly explain 15.8% of ambivalence, 29.4% of recognition and 30.6% of taking steps; life satisfaction, positive and negative emotions significantly explained 11.3% of taking steps, while flourishing accounted for 13.7% of taking steps. As for the demographic variables, only sex, age and education level acounted for 15.6% of recognition. In spite of the result obtained, the overall percentage of the explained variance is relatively low. Clinical implications of this study are significant and their greatest contribution is maximizing hospital care programs pertaining to rehabilitation of alcoholics.