NCJ Number
225345
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 43 Issue: 12-13 Dated: 2008 Pages: 1785-1801
Date Published
2008
Length
17 pages
Annotation
As part of a mandated treatment outcome study on all government-funded programs in a rural State (Kentucky), this study examined outcomes for a substance misuse treatment program.
Abstract
An examination of 12-month followup outcomes for three referral conditions--driving under the influence (DUI), criminal justice referral, and noncriminal justice referral--found that more DUI referrals reported alcohol use; there were no other significant differences in outcomes among referral conditions. Positive treatment outcomes were significantly related to recovery intent at intake and 12-step program participation at followup. Persistent depression predicted negative outcomes. The study involved a sample of 888 clients who received treatment between July 2003 and June 2004. The 12-month followup rate was 67.3 percent. All data were client self-reports. At the 12-month followup telephone interview, clients were asked if they had ever used alcohol and specified illicit drugs; and if so, how many months out of the past 12 months they had used each class of substance. Recovery intent was determined from self-report 12-step program participation at intake and followup and the client’s own rating of the odds that he/she would be able to get off and stay off of drugs or alcohol. Mental health problems were determined from clients’ answers to questions related to depression, anxiety, trouble in concentration, difficulty in controlling violence, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts and attempts in the past 12 months. Criminal justice referral conditions were determined from measures of referral source. Study limitations are discussed. 4 tables and 50 references