The effectiveness of the tobacco, alcohol and drug dependence treatment program (SAMBA) on drug users in probation

Abstract

In this research, the aim is that searching the effectiveness of a structured treatment program over treatment process on substance abusers, who are sent to medical institutions because of compulsory treatment within the scope of probation. Methods: Two hundred and fourteen substance users who were sent to Erenkoy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital AMATEM Clinic within the scope of probation have been taken under research, consecutively. The tobacco, alcohol and drug dependence treatment program (SAMBA) has been applied to substance users. Before and after application, Addiction Profile Index Clinic Form (BAPI-K) and a questionnaire to assess knowledge of drug users about addiction has been applied. They have attended the SAMBA program, once in 15 days, 6 times in total and they have all been made urine tests at each time. Urine tests have been made for 6 weeks. People who have not participated in the program once or in whose urine tests substance has been found once have been considered as incompatible with treatment. Findings: The 62.8% of the sample (n=76) have completed the SAMBA program; the urine test results of 33.1% of them (n=40) have been evaluated as positive. The risk that having positive urine test results on those who did not complete the program, has been found nine times more (odds ratio 9.02) than those who completed. When scores are compared before and after implementation; while leaving the substance motivation subscale scores has been increased, BAPI total, craving, depression and anxiety scores have been found to be decreased. Also a statistically significant increase in the Knowledge Assessment Survey scores has been observed. Those who have high scores of craving and novelty-seeking behavior initially, have lower rate of completing the program. Conclusion: It has been shown that SAMBA program is an increasing factor for adherence to treatment on substance users, who were directed to treatment because of probation, users who have craving and novelty-seeking behavior carry a risk about completing structured treatment program.