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relationships between measures of impaired control and dependence and coping behaviours and dependence are examined separately with a view to constructing a model for the prediction of change in dependence.
9.2.1 Dependence and use
It has previously been shown (Raistrick et. al. 1994) that dependence scores as measured by the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire and measures of concurrent substance use are highly correlated in help seeking samples and in the present study these correlations have once more been demonstrated. Furthermore it has been possible to demonstrate that these correlations were found following a decline in dependence. Additionally it has been possible to continue to measure dependence once use has ceased completely and the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire was shown to have the ability to measure dependence in conditions of abstinence during the pilot phase of the study. Dependence scores for the abstinent participants in the main study were shown in the previous chapter.
9.2.2 Dependence and Impaired Control
The scale used to measure impaired control was the Impaired Control Scale (discussed in Chapter 5). The Impaired Control Scale consists of separate parts which measure attempts to control, perceived ability to control and beliefs about such ability. The latter two parts were designed to measure one component of dependence and were highly positively correlated with measures of dependence whereas the first part, measuring attempts to control, was thought to tap into a different behaviour which was negatively correlated with dependence. Measures of impaired control and relationships with measures of dependence at each of the data collection points are described.
Adaptation and validation of the Impaired Control Scale (originally validated for use with problem drinkers) for use with heroin users in the present study are reported in Chapter 5. The original scale was administered to the alcohol sub-sample and the adapted scale was administered to the heroin sub-sample as part of the battery of questionnaires administered at each of the three data collection points. There was a significant increase in attempts to control use at t2 compared with t1 (p<.01) and a significant increase at t3 compared to t1 (p < .01). There was no difference in mean scores for attempts to control at t2 compared with t3. Significant correlations were not found among these measures. There were significant reductions in impaired control as measured by the other two parts of the scale: failure in attempts to control (ICSFC) and perceived ability to control (ICSPC)
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