Predictors of 4-year outcome of community residential treatment for patients with substance use disorders.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined systematically how predictors of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment outcome worked together over time and identified mediators and moderators of outcome.


METHODS
The MacArthur model was applied in this naturalistic study to identify how baseline, discharge and 1-year follow-up factors worked together to predict 4-year improvement in substance-related problems.


METHODS
Eighty-eight community residential facilities were selected based on geographic representativeness, number of patient referrals and type of treatment orientation.


METHODS
Of 2796 male patients who completed intake assessments, 2324 were assessed at the 1-year follow-up and 2023 at the 4-year follow-up.


METHODS
Self-report measures of symptom severity, functioning, social resources and coping, treatment and involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) were collected at baseline and at 1- and 4-year follow-ups. Provider-rated treatment participation measures were obtained at discharge.


RESULTS
Greater substance use severity, more psychiatric symptoms, more prior arrests and stronger belief in AA-related philosophy at treatment entry predicted improvement significantly in substance-related problems 4 years later. At the 1-year follow-up, being employed and greater use of AA-related coping predicted outcome significantly. AA-related coping at 1 year mediated the relationship partially between belief in AA philosophy at treatment entry and 4-year outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings highlight the unique and positive impact of AA involvement on long-term SUD treatment outcome and extend understanding of why AA is beneficial for patients.
Laffaye
Charlene
C
Center for Health Care Evaluation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. charlene.laffaye1@va.gov
McKellar
John D
JD
Ilgen
Mark A
MA
Moos
Rudolf H
RH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012114:Residential Treatment / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome