Reducing hospitalizations and arrests for substance abusers.

This four-year outcome study examines the results of the VA Contracted Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for veterans with substance abuse problems. Race, marital status, housing status, and exposure to combat in the military characterized the male veteran subjects. Hospitalization rates and arrest rates were tracked for two years prior to and two years post-residential treatment. The authors also examined treatment outcomes for those who completed outpatient substance abuse treatment after an episode of residential care. This study shows a 30% reduction of hospitalizations and arrests following residential treatment. Those veterans who completed both residential and outpatient treatment had the best outcomes in terms of number of hospitalizations and arrests in a two-year follow-up.