title: Satisfaction with life and opioid dependence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Serious substance misuse and dependence is widely seen as damaging to an individual and to society in general. Whereas the medical and society effects of substance misuse are widely described, some commentators suggest substance misuse may be an "alternative lifestyle".
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess general life satisfaction amongst treatment-seeking people with substance dependence.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) was administered to a sample of opioid-dependent people receiving substitute medication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  105 subjects and 105 age-sex matched subjects in a comparison group completed the questionnaire. The mean SWLS score was 7.12 (SD = 10.6; median = 6) for patients compared to 22.6 (SD = 6.8) in the comparison group. (Two sided p < 0.0001; Median difference = -13.5; Wilcoxon signed rank test.)
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study used a validated instrument and objective reports to confirm significantly higher rates of dissatisfaction with life among opioid dependent people in treatment when compared to members of the general population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, South Essex Partnership NHS Trust, Southend on Sea, Essex, UK. sl006h3607@blueyonder.co.uk
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Luty
authors.forename: Sujaa Mary Rajagopal
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Arokiadass
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires