Substance Dependence and Relapse Prevention: Efficacy of Residential Treatment for Women with Comorbid Depression

Abstract

This paper is a discussion of the issues and treatment options for women recovering from substance abuse disorders with a comorbid depressive disorder. A summary of the development of substance abuse, substance abuse treatment, and relapse is given. Gender differences between substance dependent males and females are discussed. The proposed longitudinal study evaluated the efficacy of a residential recovery home in preventing relapse in substance-dependent women diagnosed with a comorbid depressive disorder. Participants (n= 60) included an experimental group of 26 participants and a control group of 34 participants. The experimental group resided in a recovery house for a period of 9 months and underwent a rigorous relapse prevention program. Overall, the women had long histories of substance abuse and relapse. The mean age of the participants was 28.3 years for the experimental group and 26.5 years for the control group. Participants in the control group did not participate in the residential treatment program. Follow-up interviews were administered 6 and 12 months after the conclusion of the study to determine the effectiveness of the relapse prevention program. Variables measured to determine the effectiveness of the treatment included employment, violence, criminality, substance abuse, and psychiatric status. The proposed results of the study are discussed.