Socialization factors in problem recognition and desire for help among incarcerated substance abusers

Social relations and motivation variables are often regarded as important determinants of substance abuse behavior change process. Few attempts, however, have been made to investigate the relationships between them. Scarce empirical studies suggest that family and peer relations might be playing an important part in motivation for treatment and that this relationship might affect treatment process and outcomes. Primary socialization theory of drug use and criminal behavior informed the organization of empirically derived social relations variables into a conceptual model and the selection of additional variables of interest. The purpose of this study was to explore how characteristics of socializing relationships, including deviancy of, and conflict and cohesion with parents, siblings, sexual partner, and peers, are related to problem recognition (PR) and desire for help (DH)---motivational components of substance abuse behavior change process---among incarcerated substance abusers.;TCU Motivational Scales and ASI were used to measure motivation and socializing relationships variables in the sample of 661 incarcerated men with chronic substance abuse problems. About half of the sample reported deviant socialization sources. Majority reported conflict with some and cohesion with all socialization sources. Sibling substance abuse, living with substance abuser, conflict with siblings, sexual partner, and peers, and cohesion with peers were significantly correlated with DH and/or PR. In the multiple linear regression models, sibling substance abuse and living with substance abuser significantly predicted higher PR, and sibling substance abuse predicted higher DH scores, after controlling for other background characteristics. Additional analyses indicated that after controlling for deviance of socialization sources, information about conflict with these social relations may not add significantly to the prediction of PR and DH. The same test was not possible regarding cohesion due to measurement limitations. The results of this study highlight the importance of sibling relationships among incarcerated adult drug users. More rigorous differentiation between socialization-and problem severity-related effects is needed to better understand their impact on motivation for change. Nevertheless, these findings support the need for assessments and reentry planning to include social relationships, in order to increase the likelihood of continued engagement with substance abuse services after release from prison.