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A descriptive-exploratory study of outcome and some biopsychosocial characteristics of drug dependent veterans in
Objective:
The authors attempted to correlate outcomes with various significant biopsychosocial variables in drug dependent veterans receiving outpatient treatment at San Juan V.A.M.C.
Methods:
The clinical charts of 120 inactive patients were examined using a 50 item questionnaire. The data was processed and analyzed using the EpiInfo v.5 computer program. The outcome of the patients was measured using a Goal Attainment Scale Technique with demonstrated validity and reliability.
Results:
The patients retention in treatment for 12 or more visits and its relationship to good outcomes was the most significant finding of this study (P < 0.00000000, 80.5% of patients improved). Only 5% of patients with 3 or less visits showed positive outcomes. Another variable associated with good outcomes was a supportive wife (P < 0.02). HIV reactivity was strongly correlated with IV drug use (P < 0.037).
Conclusions:
The strong correlation of the retention of patients in treatment for 12 or more visits and good outcomes should alert clinicians and policy makers as to the importance of available and effective treatments in the fight against substance abuse and mental health problems. This study also showed that a supportive family member is usually the best social asset that patients and therapists have in their fight for sobriety.