Efficacy of dual focus mutual aid for persons with mental illness and substance misuse.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have indicated that persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems can benefit by attending dual-focus mutual aid groups. However, to date, a trial to test the efficacy of these groups has not been published.

Method

This study randomly assigned 203 substance misusing clients attending a mental health or dual-diagnosis facility to either a dual-focus 12-step group (Double Trouble in Recovery; DTR) or a waiting list control group. Participants were followed for 3-6 months. The primary outcome was substance use (days used in the past 30 with saliva testing to detect under-reporting); secondary outcomes included psychiatric medication adherence, attendance at traditional (single-focus) 12-step meetings (e.g., AA/NA); and improvemen

SUBMITTER: Rosenblum A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4261224 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature