Evaluating overall success and relative influence of different treatment services in substance use treatment

Substance use has serious consequences on individuals, families, public health, and society as a whole. Due to the availability of multiple treatment components, it is important for counselors to understand the relative influence that different treatment components have on outcomes. By understanding the relative influence of different treatment components, counselors are able to determine more effective treatment options for their clients. The purpose of this study was to provide information about the relative influence of three treatment components (case management, outpatient treatment, and residential treatment) to treating substance use. This study evaluated the relative influence of three treatment components (case management, outpatient treatment, and residential treatment) in reduction of substance use over a six month time period. The study applied an archival analysis of 330 individuals who participated in a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supported substance use intervention. Data was collected using the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) survey. A chi-square test of association and a repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were conducted to determine the overall success of the treatment program and the relative influence the individual treatment components had on outcomes. Results from this study showed overall, the treatment program was successful, with 87.2% of participants reducing substance use. Additionally, outcomes indicated that participants who received a combination of case management and residential treatment had the best outcomes, followed by those who received all three treatment services, those who received case management and outpatient, and those who received case management only, respectively. The implications of the study allow substance use professionals to understand the different relative influence that individual treatment components have on reducing substance use. Furthermore, these results serve substance use professionals to make more informed decisions when selecting treatment services for their clients. Further research is needed to determine a more precise dosing protocol (i.e., 30 days of residential treatment, 90 days of outpatient treatment, and 120 days of case management services), in order to increase treatment efficacy.