Assessment on Motivation for Change toward Abstinence from Alcohol among Patients with Alcohol Abuse

Authors

  • R Rajesh Principal Cum Professor/HOD, Department of psychiatric Nursing, Sri Venkateshwara School & College of Nursing, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Ramya M Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Sri Devaraj Urs College of Nursing, Tamaka, Kolar, India
  • Meetu Annie Kurian Students, Sri Devaraj Urs College of Nursing, Tamaka, Kolar, India
  • Nandhini Yadav Students, Sri Devaraj Urs College of Nursing, Tamaka, Kolar, India
  • Naveena K B Students, Sri Devaraj Urs College of Nursing, Tamaka, Kolar, India
  • Senthamizh Selvi Students, Sri Devaraj Urs College of Nursing, Tamaka, Kolar, India

Keywords:

Alcohol abuse, Motivation for change, URICA, Stages of change, Behavioral change, Abstinence, De-addiction

Abstract

Background: Motivation plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes for individuals with alcohol abuse, particularly in initiating and maintaining abstinence. This study assessed the level of motivation for change toward abstinence among patients with alcohol abuse in a selected de-addiction centre at Kolar.
Methods: A non-experimental, descriptive survey was conducted at Sri Sai Foundation De-Addiction Centre, Kolar. Using purposive sampling, 50 male patients were selected. Data were collected using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale, which evaluates stages of motivational readiness for behavioural change. Both descriptive and
inferential statistics were employed in the analysis.
Results: Among the participants, 28% were aged 31–40 years, and 54% had been abusing alcohol for over 10 years. Based on URICA scores, 64% were in the pre-contemplation stage, 34% in contemplation, 2% in action, and none in maintenance. The results indicate that most patients exhibited low readiness for behavioural change.
Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients demonstrated limited motivation to abstain from alcohol, underscoring the importance of tailored motivational enhancement strategies. Mental health professionals should focus on engaging patients in the early stages of change to foster long-term abstinence.

How to cite this article:
R Rajesh, M Ramya, Kurian M A, Yadav N, K B
Naveena, Selvi S. Assessment on Motivation for
Change toward Abstinence from Alcohol among
Patients with Alcohol Abuse. Trends Nurs Adm
Edu. 2025;14(1):5-11.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2348.2141.202503

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Published

2025-08-06