The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65105

Audrey J. Brooks, PhD and Patricia E. Penn, PhD. La Frontera Center, Inc, 410 S. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, 520-594-6318, brooks_aj@yahoo.com

The purpose of the present study was to examine treatment outcomes for persons with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Clients attended either an intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization program, an outpatient program consisting of low-intensity case management services, medication-related services, and group therapy, or a residential treatment program. The primary outcome measure was the GAIN which assesses substance use, mental health, and life functioning. Data was collected at intake, 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months. The sample consisted of 150 persons, 51% female, 73% Anglo, 16% Hispanic, 87% single, with an average age of 39, and 11.5 years of education. The primary psychiatric diagnosis was a mood disorder (47%), while alcohol abuse/dependence was the primary substance diagnosis (49%). Ninety-five percent of the sample was taking psychiatric medication with anti-depressants being the most prevalent (72%). Improvements on most substance, mental health, and functioning indicators were found for the whole sample. Additional analyses identified five client profiles predictive of outcome. Greater environmental support was associated with greater improvement in mental health and functioning. Clients with psychotic disorders, a history of violence combined with medical problems, or recurrent substance abuse treatment showed less improvement in substance use. Violence/medical and recurrent treatment were associated with less improvement in mental health. Female sexual abuse was associated with less improvement in functioning. These results demonstrate that while positive outcomes are possible in this population, varying outcomes based on client characteristics are also present.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, paticipants will be able to:
• Describe key elements of COD treatment;
• Report outcomes of COD treatment in 3 domains: mental health, substance abuse and social functioning; and
• Identify key client characteristics associated with outcomes of COD treatment.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.