Related Experiment Videos
Readiness to change alcohol use after trauma
Timothy R Apodaca1, Carol R Schermer
1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albequerque, 87131, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Patients hospitalized for alcohol-related injuries show motivation to change drinking habits. Experiencing more negative consequences predicts readiness for change, supporting brief motivational interventions for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Trauma care
- Addiction medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Alcohol is a primary cause of severe injuries.
- Hospitalized patients with alcohol-related injuries are a key demographic.
- Understanding their motivation to change is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the motivation for alcohol use change in patients hospitalized for alcohol-related injuries.
- To identify factors predicting readiness to change drinking behaviors.
- To evaluate the suitability of brief motivational interventions for this population.
Main Methods:
- Fifty trauma center patients with positive blood alcohol concentration were assessed.
- Validated questionnaires measured motivation to change alcohol-related behavior.
- Linear regression analyzed predictors of readiness to change, including alcohol use, consequences, and injury perception.
Main Results:
- Mean blood alcohol concentration was 197 mg/dL.
- 86% reported binge drinking in the past month; 84% considered changing their drinking habits.
- A higher number of negative lifetime consequences significantly predicted readiness to change (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Most patients hospitalized for alcohol-related injuries expressed motivation to alter their drinking.
- Increased negative alcohol-related consequences strongly predicted readiness for change.
- Brief motivational interventions are a viable and recommended approach for this patient group.