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Sunday, March 7, 2010

Patients With Dual Diagnoses or Substance Use Disorders Only: 12-Step Group Participation and 1-Year Outcomes


We compared outpatients (regional facility) with substance use and psychiatric (N = 199) or only substance use (N = 146) disorders on baseline and one-year symptoms (93% follow-up), and treatment and 12-step group participation over the year (2005).

We examined whether diagnostic status moderated associations between participation and outcomes (Addiction Severity Index) with regressions.

At follow-up, dual diagnosis patients had more severe symptoms, despite comparable treatment.

The groups were comparable on 12-step participation, which was associated with better outcomes. However, associations of participation with better outcomes were weaker for dual diagnosis patients.

Study (VA HSR&D-funded) implications and limitations are noted and research suggested.

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