Relationship Between Mental Health Literacy Level and Treatment Motivation in Alcohol and Drug Addicts

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to explore how the level of Mental Health Literacy influences the motivation for treatment among individuals dealing with alcohol or substance addiction. The study involved 128 subjects undergoing inpatient treatment at the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Center. To gather data, researchers utilized a Personal Information Form, Mental Health Literacy Scale, and Treatment Motivation (TM) survey. The scores obtained from the Treatment Motivation Questionnaire and Mental Health Literacy Scale were 94.21±12.2 and 108.03±11.7, respectively. The analysis revealed a statistically significant, albeit weak, positive correlation between the participants' Mental Health Literacy Scale-Knowledge of How to Seek Mental Health Information subscale mean score and both their total Treatment Motivation Questionnaire score and their Interpersonal Help-Seeking subscale mean scores (r=0.284). Conversely, a statistically significant weak negative correlation emerged between the participants' Mental Health Literacy Scale-Knowledge of Professional Help Available subscale mean score and their Treatment Motivation Questionnaire-Distrust in Treatment subscale mean score (r=−0.230). Conclusions drawn from the study indicate that a lack of knowledge regarding addiction and accessing professional assistance, coupled with concerns surrounding stigma, pose as significant barriers to motivation for seeking treatment.

Keywords

• mental health literacy
• treatment motivation
• alcohol and substance users