substance abuse and the length of time the individuals had spent in an inpatient addiction treatment center and attended mutual help group (MHG) meetings.
Patients who reported achieving abstinence saw significant improvements in their quality of life scores (between 0.13 and 0.25), whereas those who relapsed showed slight improvements (between 0.01 and 0.08). There were also several negative predictors including living alone, which negatively impacted the quality of life scores between -0.14 and -0.02, and psychological distress, which impacted the quality of life scores between -0.13 and 0.02.
The study’s findings have several implications for addiction treatment services, researchers stated. First, drug and alcohol rehab programs should emphasize the importance of abstinence, since it’s directly related to an improved quality of life. And drug abuse rehabilitation programs should “emphasize and personalize” a patient’s own experience and perception of their disorder, and stress the importance of quality of life after they complete treatment. Addiction treatment providers should also work with patients to develop strategies that improve social functions and the desire to seek additional support and help.
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
