Relationships Among Internalized Stigma, Readiness to Change and Treatment Eagerness, and Recovery Among Individuals With Substance Use Disorder in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate relationships among internalized stigma, readiness to change and treatment eagerness, and recovery among people with substance use disorder (SUD) ( N = 131). Method: This study used a cross-sectional and correlational research design. Multiple linear regression was used for analysis. Results: A 1-unit increase in alienation and discrimination experiences led to 0.220- and 0.337-unit increases in readiness to change and treatment eagerness, respectively ( p = 0.001); however, a 1-unit increase in stigma resistance led to a 0.306-unit decrease in recovery ( p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between internalized stigma and recovery and positive correlations between internalized stigma and readiness to change and treatment eagerness; however, there was no significant relationship between recovery and readiness to change and treatment eagerness. Conclusion: Early intervention programs targeting internalized stigma in individuals with SUD may improve readiness to change and treatment eagerness and recovery attitudes. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx (xx), xx–xx.]