Subjective quality-of-life rating at substance use disorder treatment entry: associated client recovery needs and outcomes

ABSTRACT

This study examines male (n = 2,612) and female (n = 2,644) clients entering SUD treatment who rated their quality-of-life (QofL) lower  or higher  and then examined thier recovery needs at program entry and at follow-up as well as return to substance use at follow-up. Results found that lower QofL ratings at program entry were associated with many recovery needs at both program entry and at follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, QofL ratings at program entry were significantly and uniquely associated with the average number of recovery needs at follow-up as well as return to use after controlling for recovery needs at program entry. Individuals who continued to rate their QofL lower at follow-up had lower SUD program satisfaction and engagement ratings and had more recovery needs, on average, at follow-up. Focusing on recovery needs and quality-of-life, which vary by person and context, may enhance recovery from substance use.

KEYWORDS:

• Recovery
• relapse prevention
• treatment engagement
• treatment outcomes

Acknowledgments

The data collected for this study was supported by the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Division of Behavioral Health.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest were reported by the author(s).