SELF-CONTROL AND READINESS TO CHANGE AMONGST RECOVERING ADDICTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61841/2zkcxg70Keywords:
Self-Control, Readiness to Change, Recovering Addicts, Drug Addicts, RehabilitationAbstract
Purpose: This study was done to identify and measure Self-Control and Readiness to Change
amongst recovering addicts plus it also aims to compare recovering addicts’ Self-Control
and Readiness to Change mean score based on age, race, marital status, educational level
and duration involved in drugs. The relationship between Self-Control and Readiness to
Change amongst recovering addicts also were examined in this study.
Methodology: Study involved 190 respondents, randomly selected from a Cure and Care
Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) located in the state of Johor. Instruments used to measure the
levels were the Self-Control Scale and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment
Scale (URICA). The quantitative descriptive design was applied and the questionnaire
method was used to obtain data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0
using descriptive, t-tests and correlation statistical analysis were used to analyze the data.
Findings: Research findings showed that levels of Self-Control amongst recovering addicts
were at an average level and the Readiness to Change amongst recovering addicts were at
the Contemplation stage. There were no significant differences in recovering addicts’ SelfControl and Readiness to Change mean score based on the demographic variables examined.
The findings of this study also showed an inverse correlation between Self-Control and
Readiness to Change (r = - 0.15, n = 190, p = 0.04). However, the results cannot be
generalized because the sample does not represent the population of all recovering addicts in
Malaysia.
Implications: The information gathered from this study is useful for understanding the level
of Self-Control and Readiness to Change amongst recovering addicts, hence it can be
emphasized in future drug prevention and rehabilitation programs in Malaysia.
Originality of this study: Drug addiction problem in Malaysia is vastly increasing and there
are many measures being taken to curb this problem. Hence, this study emphasizes on the
importance of Self-Control and Readiness to Change for recovering addicts to gain a positive
and healthy lifestyle. However, in this study its showed that, even if there is help and support
from others, a change can only occur if the individual is prepared mentally and physically.
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