Quality of life in substance abuse and dependency

Abstract

Substance abuse and substance dependency are diagnosed not only through the extent a drug is used but the effects--emotional, medical, social and behavioural--the drug has on the (ab)user. These effects incorporate many of the domains that may be systematically examined through using quality of life (QOL) measures. The assessment of QOL may therefore be used both as an evaluation and a diagnostic tool. A comprehensive literature review was completed to examine: (1) what QOL research has been conducted and in what context, (2) how different constructs of QOL are used, and (3) what patterns of results in QOL ratings are evident across different substance abusing or dependent populations. The data relates to individuals who misuse alcohol or drugs, the dual diagnosis population of substance abusing individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders, and 'hidden populations' such as individuals who abuse legal drugs. Comparisons are made complex by the use of two different constructs, the generic construct QOL which examines satisfaction with life, and the more specialized construct of health-related QOL (HRQOL). Results suggest the potential diagnostic importance of QOL, and the need for detailed analysis of patterns of QOL scores in clinical subpopulations and the wider substance using population. Concluding comments address the paucity of existing studies, and the need for regular incorporation of the measure within substance abuse and dependency research and practice.