Readiness for change and treatment outcome among individuals with alcohol dependency

The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and Stage of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) were used to evaluate 31 individuals with primary alcohol abuse problems. Stage of readiness for change and 7 problem areas were measured, and participants were categorized into 3 stages with the SOCRATES: 9 (29%) met criteria in the Ambivalence subscale, 7(23%) in Recognition, and 15 (48%) in Taking Steps. During the posttreatment phase, a 30-day follow-up interview using the ASI measured treatment outcomes for participants who completed either inpatient or outpatient treatment. Results indicated that participants showed significant improvement in alcohol use problems. No significant differences were found between participants grouped into stages of readiness for change within any problem severity area. Additionally, treatment outcomes were not significantly different when pre- and posttreatment ASI scores were compared for participants grouped by SOCRATES scores.