The Role of Illness Perception and Craving in Predicting Treatment Motivation for Drug-Dependent Individuals

One of the variables that plays a key role in the continuity of dependence, suicide and recurrence is cravings. Drug craving is the most important factor in returning to drug use, and the core of addiction. illness perceptions is also effective in motivating people to cure the issues, such as perceiving the nature, cause, duration and effectiveness of control, treatment and improvement. The aim of this study was survey the role of illness perception and craving in predicting treatment motivation for drug-dependent individuals. For this purpose 150 people were selected by sampling method from drug addiction centers in the city of Shiraz. They were evaluated for perceived illness, craving and motivation for treatment. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that recognition relates positively to therapy outcomes, disease consistency but negatively correlated with craving. Ambivalence relates positively to disease consistency but negatively correlated with craving. Taking Steps elates positively to disease consistency but negatively correlated with craving. The results multiple regression showed that 16% variance of recognition, 10% variance of ambivalence and 15% variance taking steps explained by illness perceptions and  craving.The present study supports the role of perceived disease and craving in predicting the motivation for drug dependent individuals.