Factors in Recovery from Substance Abuse and Mental Illness
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Authors
Solod, Jodi B.
Issue Date
2002
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The coexistence of substance abuse and another mental disorder presents unique challenges for both patient and clinician due to the number of factors involved with each disorder. Since it has been estimated that 25 to 35 percent of patients in treatment for mental illness have co-morbid substance abuse or dependence problems (Mueser et al., 1995), exploration into factors that may affect recovery from both disorders warrants further investigation. An important yet often overlooked variable in the assessment of dually diagnosed patients may be a history of childhood sexual abuse and its sequelae. The sequelae of childhood sexual abuse appear to be distinct and significant for both female and male survivors. As such, patients with histories of childhood sexual abuse may encounter unique obstacles as they move through the recovery process. Due to the compilation of factors involved in substance abuse and mental illness, and high recidivism rates, this study sought to explore factors that may affect recovery from both disorders. Data were collected from 61 individuals in recovery from substance abuse, involved in residential drug and alcohol / dual diagnosis treatment programs in Northern California. Participants were provided with three instruments, including a brief demographic questionnaire, the Coping Responses Inventory, and the Personal Empowerment Scale. Data was analyzed using t-test analyses, chi-square analysis, and correlational matrices to determine whether relationships existed among coping styles, personal empowerment, dual diagnosis, and childhood sexual abuse. Results of the study indicate approximately one-third of the respondents reported histories of childhood sexual abuse. In addition, subjects with childhood sexual abuse histories were more likely to have dual diagnoses versus a single diagnosis of substance abuse. Individuals with a history of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to suffer from a diagnosis of depression (X² = 6.4, p< .01 ), anxiety (X² = 3.9, p<.05), and schizophrenia (X² = 4.6, p<.05) than those who had not been abused. Length of time in recovery from substance abuse was also positively correlated with empowerment and negatively correlated with emotional discharge.