Substance Addiction Consequences: Outpatients Severity Indicators in a Medication-Based Program

Abstract

The severity of the substance addiction consequences (SAC) is often the reason for seeking help and joining medication-based programs. However, little has been explored about the nature and extent of the consequences, the outcomes of these programs and of nursing consultations. This cross-sectional study with a nursing-assisted sample, enrolled on a methadone or an alcohol aversion therapy program, aims to find out the most severe indicators of SAC and identify factors to effective self-management of this consequences. The most severe indicators were “anxiety,” “maintaining employment,” “sadness,” “problems with self- supporting,” and “problems with family relationships.” Patients most likely to have severe SAC are those with Hepatitis B (HBs), with mood disorders, and those who consume cannabis. The factors that can contribute to a more effective SAC self-management are to stop consumption, enrolling in and complying with the therapeutic project related to addiction and comorbidities.