Using the theory of planned behavior and barriers to treatment to predict intention to enter further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification: a pilot study

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey measuring the primary components of the TPB and treatment barriers. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the attitudes and perceived behavioural control components of the TPB significantly predicted intent to enter treatment following detoxification. The implementation of a longitudinal study to examine whether these intentions actually lead to people accessing further treatment is recommended, and possible clinical strategies to enhance intention are discussed.