Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs: Predictors of Treatment Effectiveness

Abstract

Although there is extensive literature on the processes and outcomes of drug and alcohol dependence treatments, little is known about specific predictors of treatment effectiveness. The present study aims to identify the predictors of abstinence in outpatient drug and alcohol dependence treatments, as well as the predictors of treatment effectiveness, according to a biopsychosocial approach. The study followed a cross-sectional research design. Participants (n = 290) were recruited from an outpatient treatment of the Intervention Division in Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (DICAD), in the northern region of Portugal. A convenience sample was used. Data was collected using questionnaires administered at the facilities of the DICAD, in a private, quiet room. Results indicate that predictors of abstinence were involvement in treatment, psychopathology symptoms, and treatment program (i.e., outpatient drug vs alcohol dependence treatments). The full model of logistic regression analysis was significantly reliable (χ2(3) = 33.93, p < 0.001), with 72.5% successfully predicted for the non-substance abuse group and a 53.1% accurate prediction rate for the substance abuse group. The predictors of treatment effectiveness, according to a biopsychosocial approach, were social support and the treatment program. The full model was significantly reliable (χ2(2) = 68.28, p < 0.001), with 33.0% successfully predicted for the treatment effectiveness group and a 91.1% accurate prediction rate for the non-treatment effectiveness group. Results suggest that interventions need to focus not only on reducing substance abuse, but also on decreasing psychopathology and promoting therapeutic involvement, acting as predictors of abstinence. Furthermore, interventions must focus on promoting social support and the treatment program, acting as predictors of treatment effectiveness, according to a biopsychosocial approach.