Medical versus spiritual orientations: Differential patient views toward recovery.

BACKGROUND Relapse among patients in substance abuse treatment has generated interest in identifying attitudinal factors that sustain recovery. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship of attitudes toward approaches to motivation for treatment and Twelve Step beliefs. METHODS Dually diagnosed patients (N = 100) completed a survey assessing treatment attitudes, motivation, and Twelve Step beliefs. RESULTS Endorsement of medical services was positively correlated with motivation but unrelated to Twelve Step beliefs. Endorsement of religious services was unrelated to motivation but was associated with Twelve Step beliefs. CONCLUSIONS Patients may have differing perceptions regarding routes to recovery based on preferences for professional services or spiritual resources.