Analysing the effectiveness of psychoeducational groups on prison inmate’s motivation to change from drug addiction

Abstract

Globally, including in Malta, the prison population has been increasing drastically, and many inmates tend to have a history of drug addiction or a substance use disorder (SUD). The impact of drugs is that it changes the structure and function of the brain; however, it does not affect only the biological aspect but also the psychosocial characteristics. This research aimed to deliver seven sessions of psychoeducational groups to inmates in the local context to educate them about the impact of drugs on their well-being from a biopsychosocial perspective to motivate them to desist from drugs. This is quantitative research and analyses the effectiveness of psychoeducational groups outlining the impact of drug use on participants' level of motivation to change. The participants were recruited through the Care and Reintegration Unit (CRU) at CSA or through self-referrals. As a pre-and-post-test to analyse the groups' effectiveness, the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) psychometric test was used, and the Wilcoxon sign test was used to determine pre or post treatment changes. Findings did not support the hypothesis that psychoeducational groups foster a sense of motivation in those participating in these groups. The potential impacts are presented in this research. Future studies in the local context are recommended.