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

Abstract #68885

James R. Ciesla, PhD, School of Allied Health Professions, Northern Illinois University, Public and Community Health Programs, DeKalb, IL 60115, 815-753-3409, jciesla@niu.edu

Improving the effectiveness of treatment for chemically dependent adults rests on researchers' ability to understand factors associated with successful treatment outcomes. This research explores relationships between sociodemographic, psychological and treatment variables and successful outcomes. This research is based on data collected from 1997-2002 from a survey of adults who successfully completed substance abuse treatment at a facility in Midwestern USA. Each adult agreeing to participate by signing consent at discharge was contacted by telephone 3-9 months after discharge and administered a questionnaire. A total of 47.3% (n=530) of the completed the questionnaire. The researchers obtained copies of the treatment records for each respondent to extract demographic and treatment information to be combined with data from the questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to examine predictors of positive treatment outcomes. Odds ratios were calculated. Analysis was performed using several dependent variables, including complete abstinence and abstinence with isolated use incidences. Analyses were run on positive treatment outcome by gender and by substance of abuse. Three categories of predictor variables were entered into the regression models: demographic, pretreatment severity, treatment-related, and post treatment variables. In the model using the strictest definition of treatment success (complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol) as the dependent variable, age, age at first use, gender and length of treatment were all significant (p<.05) predictors. Longer length of stay in treatment was associated with abstinence in all models. Females were over 45% more likely to be successful (OR=1.57) than males at abstaining from alcohol. In all models, variables measuring the association with friends in the post treatment period were significant predictors of treatment outcome. In the model that evaluated abstinence from hard drugs, those with psychological comorbidities, unstable living arrangement, and poly drug use were less likely to have successful outcomes. Findings suggest treatment success varies greatly by the patient's demographic characteristics, severity of addiction, treatment characteristics and post treatment environment. The findings show that length of treatment and positive relationships with friends, spouse, and family are predictors of positive outcomes. This research suggests substance abuse treatment will be more effective, if specific characteristics of the patient are considered. For example, age- and gender-specific treatment should be given attention. Treatment for those abusing hard drugs (i.e. cocaine and heroin) could be improved by coupling substance abuse services with services for psychological comorbidities. From a public policy perspective, this research strongly suggests funding for treatment duration is a priority.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participant will be able to:
• describe key sociodemographic and treatment variables that are associated with treatment success,
• evaluate the techniques often used to measure substance abuse treatment outcomes and their correlates.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment,

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.