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Mental health and substance use problems among patients in substance use disorder treatment as reported by patients versus treatment personnel
- Authors:
- BERGLY Tone H., HAGEN Roger, GRAWE Rolf W.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Substance Use, 20(4), 2015, pp.282-287.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objective: This study examines and compares mental health and substance use problems among patients in substance use disorder treatment as reported by both patients and treatment personnel, and explores the feasibility of the quadrant model in addressing severity of mental health and substance use based on reports by treatment personnel. Methods: Patients receiving inpatient substance use treatment at clinics in Norway were recruited for the study; 85 completed a cross-sectional survey. Treatment personnel completed a separate survey and gathered information from patient charts. Results: While there were minor differences in the patient and personnel reported prevalence of mental disorders in general (34 and 41%, respectively), there were significant differences in reported affective disorders and personality disorders. Based on the quadrant model, 70.2% of the patients had a high severity of substance use and low severity of mental health problems, while 21.4% had high severity of both. Conclusions: The differences in reports of mental disorders are important, and future research should aim to increase the validity and reliability of reported mental health problems among patients with substance use disorders. The quadrant model does seem to be a feasible model in addressing the severity of such co-occurring disorders. (Edited publisher abstract)
The Better Life Program: effects of group skills training for persons with severe mental illness and substance use disorders
- Authors:
- GRAWE Rolf W., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 16(5), October 2007, pp.635-634.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Despite the widespread use of group interventions for treating dual disorders, few standardized programs have been empirically validated. This study evaluated a manualized group skills training intervention for clients with dual disorders, the Better Life Program, in order to determine its feasibility and changes in substance abuse and mental health outcomes. Patients with dual disorders at nine centres in Norway participated in a pilot study using a within-subjects pre- and post test design. The program required an average of 37 sessions to complete and was provided as a supplement to standard mental health care. The aim of the program is to reduce substance misuse through providing information, motivational enhancement, skills training to develop rewarding relationships, relapse prevention, and establishing healthy leisure activities. Among the 82 patients who began treatment, 63 (83%) completed it. Treatment completers showed significant reductions in substance misuse and improvement in global functioning, but did not change in general symptom distress. This pilot study supports the feasibility of the Better Life Program, and suggests that it may improve substance misuse and mental health outcomes. Further research is warranted to evaluate the effects of this program using controlled research designs.