Research on the effectiveness of the modified therapeutic community for persons with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders

Authors:
SACKS Stanley, SACKS JoAnn Y.
Journal article citation:
Therapeutic Communities: the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, 31(2), Summer 2010, pp.176-211.
Publisher:
Emerald

This article highlights the development of the modified therapeutic community (MTC) as an approach to the treatment of co-occurring disorders. Four research studies are presented, each of which investigated the effectiveness of the MTC. Nine hundred and two subjects had mental disorders co-occurring with substance use disorders, and all four studies were undertaken by the same investigative team. Better outcomes were observed for the MTC group in every study, but the measures and domains in which differences were detected varied from study to study. Analysis showed significant improvements in outcomes for the MTC group in five of six outcome domains – substance use, mental health, crime, employment and housing. However, no significant differences were detected in HIV-risk. The paper concludes with brief summaries of preliminary findings from two current studies. In ending, the paper presents a discussion of staff training, aftercare services, and future directions for research related to the MTC.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, substance misuse, therapeutic communities, dual diagnosis;
Content type:
research review
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
0964 1866

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