Substance Use Motives Related to Social Reinforcement among People with a History of Incarceration

Abstract

• Summary: Motivational factors have been viewed as central to both the initiation and perpetuation of substance abuse. Until now, the relationship of substance use motives to previous life experiences has yet to be fully explored. This mixed methods study investigated the association between social reinforcement-type substance use motives and stressful events, as well as patterns and consequences of use among 68 men and women with a history of incarceration. • Findings: Themes coded from the respondents’ narratives yielded three principal motivational categories: social reinforcement, coping, and enhancement. Discriminant analyses revealed that social reinforcement motives were associated with drinking in greater quantities, alcohol and drug dependence, parental divorce or separation, and greater perceived stress at fathers’ and siblings’ deaths. • Applications : Social work practice implications are discussed including conducting a comprehensive motivational assessment at the inception of substance abuse treatment along with interventions focused on enhancing social support, increasing the capacity for attachment, and the utilization of role models.