Levels of mental distress after addiction treatment linked to admission pathways

mental distress following treatment was a relapse into drug use. However, this group also showed elevated levels of depression, symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and paranoia at the six-month follow-up interviews.

“In contrast, the [voluntary group] retained the improvement achieved during treatment throughout follow-up,” researchers stated.

The study has several important implications. First, compulsory addiction treatment services should be better integrated into the “broader treatment system.” Second, in order to achieve better results for people who are legally required to receive addiction treatment, coordination between various care services needs to improve, particularly after discharge. Finally, researchers stated that there needs to be more services aimed at after-discharge care, such as peer-based groups, in order to prevent relapses and the resulting increase in psychological distress.

Holly Lawrence
Author: Holly Lawrence

Holly Lawrence is a general assignment reporter and editor for Addiction Now. She covers topics including recent scientific studies, lifestyle trends and breaking news. Contact Holly at hollyl@drugaddictionnow.com.

Summary
Levels of mental distress after addiction treatment linked to admission pathways
Article Name
Levels of mental distress after addiction treatment linked to admission pathways
Description
People who voluntarily seek addiction treatment are less likely to exhibit signs of mental distress six months after their course of treatment when compared to those who compulsorily receive addiction treatment, a new study found.
Author
Holly Lawrence
Publisher Name
Addiction Now