The relationship between motivation, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, time, and craving levels in the mandated substance abuse treatment population

Abstract

Substance abuse is a serious concern that has been found to raise societal costs (Catford, 2001; Chaiken & Chaiken, 1990; French et al., 1996; Harwood, Fountain, & Livermore, 1998; Hearndon & Harocopos, 1999; MacCoun & Reuter, 2001; Oltmanns & Emery, 1999; U.S. Department of Justice, 2000). In 2001, the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act was passed allowing for nonviolent substance abuse offenders to bypass incarceration and enroll in mandated treatment. There is little research on Proposition 36 clients; however, the goal for treatment is to reduce the number of nonviolent offenders in prison and to help reduce recidivism (California Proposition, 36, 2000). Research has also suggested that motivation, time in treatment, and the extent to which one's needs are met can help predict craving levels, which have been suggested to help predict treatment dropout (Ball, Carroll, Canning-Ball, & Rousanville, 2005; Brecht, Anglin, & Wang, 1993; Hartz, Frederick-Osborn, & Galloway, 2001; Jones, 2004; Klag, O'Callaghan, & Creed, 2005; Maslow, 1954, 1970; Ryan, Plant, & O'Malley, 1995). Three measures were employed in this study: a demographic questionnaire, measurements of participant's motivation, caving levels, and current needs met. A total of 70 participants' data were used. A multiple regression attempted to determine which predictor variable (time in treatment, external and internal motivation, and needs met) was the best predictor of craving levels. Results suggested that external motivation and having needs met were the best predictors of increased craving levels. These individuals may benefit from more interpersonal therapy, which may help to increase their internal motivation by building self esteem and gaining insight to their addictions. Three independent t tests were run to determine significance between length of time in treatment and needs met; however, results were not significant. Additionally, five post hoc analyses were completed using demographic data and craving or motivation levels; however, none yielded significance. Future research is needed in this area, especially comparing Proposition 36 to Drug Court clientele to determine if one treatment program is more effective, potentially adding to the need for more evidence-based programming.