P redictors of Recovery Behavior in Incarcerated Korean Drug offenders

This study aimed to explore the relationships and trajectories of key variables related to the recovery process of drug offenders in Korea. An analysis of 206 inmates using the structural equation model showed that hitting bottom due to illegal substance use predicted recovery behavior through surrender, insight, and abstinence motivation. Second, pain of imprisonment was found to moderate the recovery process of drug offenders endeavoring to recover after hitting bottom. These results indicate that the setbacks caused by illegal substance use are a key factor affecting these recovery variables, and thereby, the recovery process. This implies that it is possible to identify the stage of recovery from substance addiction and use it for treatment. It is also critical to consider the pains of imprisonment for currently incarcerated drug offenders in the recovery process. We accordingly discuss the implications of this study and propose avenues for future research.