Homelessness and mental illness in a professional- and peer-led cocaine treatment clinic.
The combined problems of substance abuse, mental illness, and homelessness among the urban poor represent a major public health issue. The study evaluated 340 patients attending a cocaine day treatment program that integrates peer leadership and professional supervision. Thirty-six percent of the sample had a major mental illness, and 39 percent were homeless. Sixty-nine percent achieved an acceptable final urine toxicology status, and the median number of program visits was 46. Homelessness, a longer history of cocaine use, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia were associated with positive treatment outcomes. The results support the feasibility of a cocaine abuse treatment model combining professional and peer leadership.
Galanter
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, Nathan Kline Institute, New York 10016, USA. marcgalanter@nyu.edu
Dermatis
H
H
Egelko
S
S
De Leon
G
G
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010358:Patient Participation; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D016578:Crack Cocaine