Specific classes of symptoms predict readiness to change scores among dually diagnosed patients

The Transtheoretical Stages of Change model hypothesizes that disadvantages of substance abuse must outweigh advantages before change occurs. This study examined whether substance-related sequelae predicted readiness to change scores. A total of 150 dually diagnosed patients were administered the CAGE questionnaire (CAGE is an acronym for questions about substance use: Cutting down, Annoyed by criticism, feel Guilty, Early morning usage), which was scored for mood and behavior symptoms; a checklist of 12 physical, intrapersonal, and environmental symptoms; and the Brief Readiness to Change questionnaire (RTC). Regression analyses suggested that more physical and mood symptoms were predictive of higher total RTC (R2 = .11); physical, mood, and behavioral symptoms were predictive of higher contemplation scores (R2 = .17), whereas fewer physical symptoms were predictive of higher precontemplation scores (R2 = .05). The results suggest that the relative severity of physical, mood, and behavior symptoms may be important factors related to the contemplation of change among dually diagnosed patients.