A pilot study of a dual processing substance user treatment intervention with adults

This study responds to the identified need for evidence-based substance abuse interventions by examining the effects of an innovative dual processing substance use intervention aimed at decreasing the risk for substance relapse by targeting emotional regulation capacity. The study was completed in partnership with a Latino-serving community-based substance user treatment agency in a rural Northeastern region of the United States in 2005-2006 and was supported with pilot monies from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare NIDA-funded research center. The sample (N = 29) was comprised of adults with a diagnosis of substance dependence seeking treatment in an outpatient program. Study findings indicated that individuals who participated in the dual-processing treatment group decreased their craving with a trend toward increased self-efficacy over time in treatment and did not show treatment response differences across Latino and non-Latino clients, suggesting that treatment application was similar across these groups. The study's limitations are noted.