The Role of Motivation in Alcohol and Drug Recovery: Assessing the Stages of Change Model

Background: Recovery from substance abuse entails multiple motivation considerations. From a guided change theory lens, this study sought to analyze how three SOCRATES 8D subscales—Recognition, Ambivalence, and Taking Steps—interact with recovery outcomes assessed with the Substance Use Recovery Evaluator (SURE). Methods: A sample of 120 participants in substance use—alcohol and drug—rehabilitation were analyzed using descriptive stats, Shapiro–Wilk tests, regression, and bootstrapped mediation (5,000 samples). Four hypotheses were formed and examined about the relationships between motivation subscales and the recovery outcomes. Results: H1: Total SURE score is significantly predicted by Taking Steps (β = 5.42, p < 0.001, R² = 0.13). H2: Sustained periods of abstinence were predicted beyond baseline severity by Recognition (ΔR² = 0.11, p < 0.001). H3: Detrimental predictions regarding improvement of substance use outcomes were made by Ambivalence (β = -0.81, p = 0.012). H4: Reduction of substance use was linked through self-care to Taking Steps (indirect effect = 0.58, 95% CI [0.32, 0.88]). Conclusions: Enhanced recovery is associated with motivation-driven action taking; short-term abstinence is supported by recognition; progress is hindered by ambivalence; and self-care mediates behavior changes. Addressing these concepts in a treatment plan ensures better recovery outcomes.