Relationship Between Recovery Capital and Treatment Motivation among Polydrug and Non-Polydrug Users In Malaysia

Recovery capital is an individual’s total recovery resources based on their strengths.
This study examines (1) the most important factor driving the growth of recovery capital
among polydrug and non-polydrug drug users, (2) differences in recovery capital, (3)
differences in the motivation process to stay sober, and (4) the relationship between
recovery capital and treatment motivation. The data was collected randomly using
predetermined respondent criteria. The Brief Assessment Recovery Capital-10 and
Treatment Motivation Scale were completed by all respondents (n=270). To determine
the relationship between Recovery Capital and Treatment Motivation in polydrug users
and non-polydrug users, descriptive, T-test, and Pearson correlation analyses were
performed. 62.22% of addicts used multiple substances, compared to 37.78% who used
only one type of drug. 55 percent of respondents say substance use and sobriety are
most important for recovery. “Housing & Safety” and “Risk-Taking Behavior” follow
at 48.9%. Polydrug and non-polydrug groups had similar recovery capital (t (268) =
1.46, p = 0.144). Polydrug users had higher scores but lower overall scores. Polydrug
and non-polydrug groups have significantly higher Treatment Motivation scores, t(268)
= -2.222, p = 0.027. Even though non-polydrug users score higher. Polydrug users have
a moderately positive correlation (r (268) = 0.400, p = 0.00), while non-polydrug users
have a weak correlation (r (268) = 0.273, p = 0.00). Targeting recovery capital in
treatment may improve resources and support networks, reducing relapse. Recovery
capital assessments may help tailor multimodal services to an individual’s recovery
needs while integrating harm reduction into addiction treatment.