Background: Poor adherence to psychiatric medication is a major obstacle to effective care of persons with chronic mental illness. Persons dually diagnosed with both mental and substance use disorders appear to be at the highest risk of poor medication adherence. Self-help groups can play an important role in furthering recovery from both addictions and mental health disorders. However, traditional 12-step groups may be ambivalent about psychiatric medication issues. Objective: To examine the associations between meeting attendance, psychiatric medication adherence and mental health outcomes for members of a 12-step self-help organization specifically designed for persons dually diagnosed with chronic mental illness and substance use disorders. Methods: A sample of members of Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR), a dual-recovery self-help fellowship were recruited, interviewed and followed-up after one year. Using path analysis, predictors of psychiatric medication adherence at follow-up were identified for 240 members in 24 DTR groups who had been prescribed medication. Results: Consistent DTR attendance directly increased adherence to medication, independent of other direct predictors, which were: living in supported housing, fewer stressful life events and lower psychiatric symptom severity. Low adherence predicted higher symptom severity at follow-up and psychiatric hospitalization during the follow-up period. Conclusions: These results provide guidance both to clinicians and persons in recovery about the potential of self-help groups for supporting the appropriate use of effective psychiatric medications. Funded by NIDA Grant R01 DA11240
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: (1) Recognize the importance of adherence to medication in recovery from dual diagnosis (2) Identify the issues associated with poor adherence (3)Understand the role of dual-recovery self help groups fostering adherence (4)incorporate dual-recovery self-help group participation in clients treatment plan where feasible.
Keywords: Adherence, 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.