Individuals dually-diagnosed with substance abuse and a psychiatric disorder face more numerous and complex challenges in recovery than those with a single disorder. While the need for integrated treatment services is generally recognized, few studies have investigated the correlates of dual recovery. This presentation reports on the recovery challenges experienced by dually-diagnosed individuals and on the association between these experiences and dual recovery (substance use and mental health symptoms) at one-year follow-up. Ss were members of a dual-recovery self-help group (N=277), mostly members of underserved minority groups with long histories of both disorders starting in late adolescence. Sixty-two percent experienced symptoms in the past year; 30% reported substance use. Correlation between symptoms and substance use was moderate (r=.14, p=.02). Areas that received high difficulty ratings at baseline (top 5): Dealing with feelings, things not happening fast enough, finding/keeping a job, fear of picking up, and boredom. Areas where higher difficulty ratings at baseline were significantly associated with substance use at follow-up: staying clean, overcoming denial and following a recovery program. Areas significantly associated with reported symptoms at follow-up: dealing with feelings and inner conflicts, being bored, feeling helpless, overcoming isolation, feeling good about oneself, and being open-minded. Greater difficulty at baseline with fear of picking up, identifying triggers, starting a new life, and regaining trust was significantly associated with both substance use and symptoms at follow-up. Clinical implications of these findings for enhancing treatment outcomes and guiding recovery efforts for the dually-diagnosed are discussed. Funded by NIDA Grant R01 DA11240
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: (1)recognize the interaction between the two disorders in promoting dual-recovery (2)recognize the importance of integrated services for dually-diagnosed clients (3)apply this knowledge in clinical work to enhance services outcomes
Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Co-morbid
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.