The Effects of Self-Regulation and Self-Efficacy on Substance Use Abstinence

Previous research found that self-regulation and self-efficacy were linked to substance use abstinence. This study examined the relationships between changes in self-regulation and self-efficacy as predictors of substance use abstinence. A total of 150 adult individuals in substance abuse recovery participated in a randomized, longitudinal study comparing a communal housing model versus usual aftercare. The change in self-regulation (p = .014) and the change in self-efficacy (p = .032) were significantly predictive of the likelihood of abstinence. Additionally, changes in self-regulation and self-efficacy were largely independent. These findings suggest future research for examining change in self-regulation and self-efficacy substance abuse research.