The use of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES-8D) with formerly incarcerated individuals in a non-prison based program

Alcohol and Substance Abuse continues to be a problem in our society, and as a result, a significant number of men and women are incarcerated for substance-related offenses. Once released from prison, many will return within a year's time due to a relapse to their drug and/or alcohol addiction. This exploratory study looked at the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES-8D) and its impact on treatment compliance and retention in a non-prison-based treatment program for formerly incarcerated men and women. Participants of this study were interviewed and given the SOCRATES-8D and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) while in treatment. Two months after their interview, information regarding their program status was obtained. Participants were either compliant with their treatment and were successfully discharged or retained in the program (successful), or were not compliant with their treatment and were discharged (unsuccessful). The findings of the study showed no significant differences in SOCRATES scores between successful males and successful females; nor was there a clinical significance between participants who were in the program less than two months versus more than two months at the time of the initial interview.;Key Words. Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES), Formerly Incarcerated Men and Women, Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse Treatment.