Treatment motivation among Mexican American drug-using arrestees

This study tested demographic factors, drug-problem severity indicators, social resources, and treatment perceptions as correlates of motivation for treatment among Mexican American drug users with no prior treatment experience. To move beyond the ''ethnic gloss'' of prior research, this study included ethnicity-related attitudes, perceptions, and experiences among the factors tested. Findings from a multivariate regression analysis suggested that recognition of drug-related interpersonal problems was a key determinant of treatment motivation in this sample. A test for interaction revealed that treatment motivation was strongest among cases who scored high on both drug problem recognition and ethnic identity. In addition, treatment motivation was weaker among cases who were married and those who were employed. implications are cited regarding pathways to treatment for Mexican American drug users.