Christine Timko1, Anne Sutkowi, Ruth C Cronkite, Kerry Makin-Byrd, Rudolf H Moos. 1. Center for Health Care Evaluation, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and Stanford University Medical Center, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. ctimko@stanford.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study implemented and evaluated procedures to help clinicians effectively refer dually diagnosed (substance use and psychiatric disorders) patients to dual-focused mutual-help groups (DFGs). METHODS: Using a cohort cyclical turnover design, individuals with dual diagnoses beginning a new outpatient mental health treatment episode (N=287) entered a standard- or an intensive-referral condition. Participants provided self-reports of 12-step mutual-help (DFG and substance-focused group [SFG]) attendance and involvement and substance use and psychiatric symptoms at baseline and six-month follow-up. The intensive referral intervention focused on encouraging patients to attend DFG meetings. RESULTS: Compared to patients in the standard condition, those in the intensive referral intervention were more likely to attend and be involved in DFGs and SFGs, and had less drug use and better psychiatric outcomes at follow-up. Attending more intensive-referral sessions was associated with more DFG and SFG meeting attendance. More need fulfillment in DFGs, and more readiness to participate in SFGs, were associated with better alcohol and psychiatric outcomes at six months. However, only 23% of patients in the intensive-referral group attended a DFG meeting during the six-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The intensive referral intervention enhanced participation in both DFGs and SFGs and was associated with better six-month outcomes. The findings suggest that intensive referral to mutual-help groups focus on its key components (e.g., linking patients to 12-step volunteers) rather than type of group. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
BACKGROUND: This study implemented and evaluated procedures to help clinicians effectively refer dually diagnosed (substance use and psychiatric disorders) patients to dual-focused mutual-help groups (DFGs). METHODS: Using a cohort cyclical turnover design, individuals with dual diagnoses beginning a new outpatient mental health treatment episode (N=287) entered a standard- or an intensive-referral condition. Participants provided self-reports of 12-step mutual-help (DFG and substance-focused group [SFG]) attendance and involvement and substance use and psychiatric symptoms at baseline and six-month follow-up. The intensive referral intervention focused on encouraging patients to attend DFG meetings. RESULTS: Compared to patients in the standard condition, those in the intensive referral intervention were more likely to attend and be involved in DFGs and SFGs, and had less drug use and better psychiatric outcomes at follow-up. Attending more intensive-referral sessions was associated with more DFG and SFG meeting attendance. More need fulfillment in DFGs, and more readiness to participate in SFGs, were associated with better alcohol and psychiatric outcomes at six months. However, only 23% of patients in the intensive-referral group attended a DFG meeting during the six-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The intensive referral intervention enhanced participation in both DFGs and SFGs and was associated with better six-month outcomes. The findings suggest that intensive referral to mutual-help groups focus on its key components (e.g., linking patients to 12-step volunteers) rather than type of group. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Authors: Elizabeth A Wells; Dennis M Donovan; Dennis C Daley; Suzanne R Doyle; Greg Brigham; Sharon B Garrett; Michelle H Ingalsbe; Mary A Hatch-Maillette; Harold I Perl; Robrina Walker Journal: J Subst Abuse Treat Date: 2014-06-14
Authors: Michael P Bogenschutz; Samara L Rice; J Scott Tonigan; Howard S Vogel; Joseph Nowinski; Donald Hume; Pamela B Arenella Journal: J Subst Abuse Treat Date: 2013-12-21