Outcome of psychological treatment of patients with substance use disorders in routine care

Abstract

Background: More knowledge is needed about outcome of treatments in routine care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). These patients often suffer from psychological distress in addition to SUDs. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of community-based psychological treatment on SUD patients’ psychosocial problems, as well as on their substance use. Design: All patients who were referred or self-referred for psychological treatment to a social worker or a psychotherapist at three outpatient treatment centers for SUD patients were asked to participate in the study. Methods: Ratings at treatment start and end were obtained on Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM, n = 100), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C, n = 49), and Drug Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (DUDIT-C, n = 27). Results: CORE-OM mean scores were significantly improved. In total 14% of the patients were recovered, 10% improved, and 5% deteriorated. Both AUDIT-C and DUDIT-C mean scores were significantly improved for patients with alcohol use and patients using illicit drugs, respectively. Conclusions: Routine psychological treatment had positive effects on psychological distress as well as on reduction of substance use. A substantial number of patients remained however unchanged, particularly regarding psychological distress. More studies with larger patient groups are needed to develop treatment for SUD patients in routine care.

Keywords:

• CORE-OM
• SUD
• psychological distress
• co-occurring disorder
• practice-based study

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all participating patients and therapists.

Funding

This study was financed by research grants from the Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (FORSS-184241) and the Department of Dependency Disorders, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, The Region Council in Östergötland, Sweden.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financed by research grants from the Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (FORSS-184241) and the Department of Dependency Disorders, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, The Region Council in Östergötland, Sweden.