The costs and outcomes of treatment for opioid dependence associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the costs and outcomes of treatment for opiate dependence associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


METHODS
Data were collected on the use of opiate treatment over a 12-month period for a cohort of 495 individuals, of whom 42 percent had PTSD. Total treatment costs were calculated as the sum of the time spent in each treatment modality multiplied by the appropriate unit cost. Outcome measures included occupational functioning, use of heroin and other drugs, and physical and mental health.


RESULTS
No significant difference was noted in the cost of treatment over the 12-month period for persons with and without PTSD (5,394+/-5,136 and 4,821+/-5,144 [Australian dollars], respectively). However, persons with PTSD had poorer treatment outcomes in terms of occupational functioning, overdose, and physical and mental health.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the same resources were invested in opiate treatment for persons with and without PTSD, PTSD continued to be associated with poorer functioning in a number of domains at 12-month follow-up. A well-designed intervention targeting both heroin dependence and PTSD may help to improve the outcomes of persons with PTSD.
Mills
Katherine L
KL
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre of the University of New South Wales, Randwick, N.S.W. 2052, Australia. k.mills@unsw.edu.au
Teesson
Maree
M
Ross
Joanne
J
Darke
Shane
S
Shanahan
Marian
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome