Stability of Outcomes Following Residential Drug Treatment for Patients With Co-occurring Disorders

Abstract

Objective: Few studies have examined the stability of both substance use and mental health outcomes following residential drug abuse treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders. This study examines outcomes at 6 and 12 months for individuals with co-occurring disorders, in relationship to services received over the follow-up period. Methods: Participants with co-occurring disorders (N = 310) were sampled from 11 residential drug abuse treatment programs and completed in-depth assessments within 30 days of intake and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. A path model was developed testing the relationships among treatment participation and services received, psychological status, and substance use outcomes across the two follow-up points. Results: Retention for at least 90 days in residential drug treatment was associated with less inpatient mental health treatment and more mental health services received at 6 months; outpatient mental health treatment was associated with reduced substance use at 6 months. Substance use at 6 months was associated with more psychological distress at both 6 and 12 months and more inpatient mental health treatment at 12 months. Conclusions: Findings suggest that receipt of mental health services following residential drug abuse treatment for patients with co-occurring disorders is critical to improving their longer-term outcomes.