Predicting Long-term Treatment Utilization among Addicts Entering Detoxification: The Contribution of Help-seeking Models

Abstract

Detoxification is the entry point into the drug treatment system for many heroin and cocaine addicts. In this paper, we examine both socio-demographic predictors of utilization of long-term treatment and constructs based on theories of help-seeking. Data for this paper were collected from 279 heroin and cocaine dependent individuals, at entry into two detoxification programs and 30 or more days later, to determine their long-term treatment status in the 30 days following detoxification. We find that homeless individuals, those on parole, and those who have used drugs for fewer than 20 years are more likely than their counterparts to be in treatment. Even when an array of sociodemographic characteristics are controlled, constructs drawn from the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1988) –viz. intention to enter treatment, behavioral beliefs favoring treatment, and perceived behavioral control (self-efficacy) contribute significantly to the prediction of treatment utilization.