Adverse childhood experiences and level of self-esteem as predictors for motivation to change among adults with methamphetamine use residing in rehabilitation centers.

INTRODUCTION

Methamphetamine use has been on the rise, which is particularly alarming among younger generations and poses a risk to public health. This study aimed to determine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACE), self-esteem, and treatment motivation among individuals undergoing rehabilitation for methamphetamine use.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 684 participants from Malaysian drug rehabilitation centers using a randomized selection process. Data collection was conducted utilizing validated instruments, such as the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Treatment Motivation Scale. Statistical analyses involved Spearman's correlation and multiple linear regression to explore the relationships between ACE, self-esteem, and treatment motivation.

RESULTS

The motivation scores of respondents who were Malay were significantly higher than those of non-Malay respondents (p = 0.009). Increased motivation scores were linked to higher parental education, particularly the secondary education of the mother (p = 0.004) and the father (p = 0.006). Several ACE were significantly associated with lower motivation scores, including contact sexual abuse (p = 0.008), living with a persistently sad or mentally ill person (p = 0.023), exposure to domestic violence (p = 0.007), physical neglect (p = 0.020), and bullying (p = 0.010). Conversely, exposure to community violence was positively correlated with motivation scores (p = 0.033, confidence interval: 0.292 to 6.756,r = 0.22), suggesting that individuals exposed to such environments might develop increased motivation for treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concludes that treatment motivation among methamphetamine users is significantly impacted by parental education, ACE, and sociodemographic variables. Approaches that are trauma-informed, culturally aware, and family-inclusive are essential to improve recovery and participation.