Influence of treatment readiness on outcomes of two pharmacotherapy trials for cocaine abuse among methadone-maintained patients

Secondary analyses were conducted on data from 2 pharmacotherapy trials for cocaine dependence in methadone-maintained patients to explore factors potentially associated with treatment readiness. One trial enrolled current cocaine users, and the other enrolled newly abstinent patients. Newly abstinent patients showed evidence of treatment readiness in that they submitted fewer cocaine-positive urine specimens during the trial and reported more aversion than craving in response to cues, greater self-efficacy in high-risk situations, greater confidence in treatment, and less depression. They identified less with an ''addict'' self-schema and were motivated to stop using cocaine because of perceived consequences to health and freedom and a desire for self-control. The influence of treatment readiness in pharmacotherapy trials is discussed.