Therapeutic Change in a Christian SUD Program: Mental Health, Attachment, and Attachment to God

ABSTRACT

This study of women who entered a residential Christian substance use disorder (SUD) program explored areas of co-occurring mental health symptoms, alcohol and substance abuse histories, attachment patterns, and histories of child maltreatment. Therapeutic change occurred in women completing the program, and these changes were statistically significant on all scales of the SCL-90-R, and on some scales of the Maryland Addictions Questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures assessment, and the Attachment to God Inventory. When comparing participants who dropped out of treatment with those who successfully completed it, the only statistically significant difference between these two groups was that completers reported more mental health symptoms overall at entrance. Clinicians may find it beneficial to assess for attachment patterns, in addition to co-occurring mental health symptoms in substance abuse treatment, and to incorporate spirituality into treatment protocols, and/or encourage clients to join support groups that enhance spirituality.

KEYWORDS:

• change in attachment
• co-occurring symptoms in addictions
• spirituality; women’s recovery