Effectiveness of the Pillars of Recovery Group and Key Working Program for Service Users with a Dual Diagnosis of Substance Dependence and Concurrent Mental Health Problems: An Initial Outcomes Evaluation

Abstract

This study evaluated Pillars of Recovery, a 12-session group and individual session program for comorbid substance dependence and mental health problems. Service users (n = 42) were assessed at baseline and after completing the program. Postintervention, statistically significant improvements were found across a number of outcomes. Effect sizes indicated that these improvements were robust and significant. In addition, significantly fewer service users were above the validated clinical cutoff scores on psychometric measures of substance dependence, depression, anxiety, and impaired social functioning indicating some clinical improvements. Findings would indicate this program may represent a promising treatment, and more effectiveness research is under way.

KEYWORDS:

• addiction
• dual diagnosis
• groupwork
• psychosocial intervention
• recovery