Print versionThis study is a collaboration with DRUG ARM Australasia.
Funding - $100,000from Drug Arm, 2009 – 2010.
Researchers - Jake Najman, Leith Morris, Andrew Conroy, QADREC
Caroline Slalom, Kate Bugden, Drug Arm.
Background
QADREC is collaborating with DRUG ARM Australasia (DAA) to conduct a treatment evaluation study of DAAs Queensland alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs. AOD clients complete assessment at the commencement of treatment that examines levels of drug use and severity of dependence, level of impairment, social and personal functioning, and mental health. Three-monthly follow-ups are conducted to evaluate treatment outcomes.
2009 highlights
- Data collection was completed. Baseline data was collected for 141 DAA clients and follow-up data was collected for 44 clients. Of the 141 clients, 21 were ATS users; however follow-up data were only collected for five of those clients
- Data analysis was completed
- At baseline, ATS users had significantly higher levels of psychological distress, reported on a number of measures. They also experienced higher levels of impairment than non-ATS users. The sample, as a whole, showed higher levels of psychological distress and impairment than the general population.
- Improvements were shown across most measures of psychological distress and impairment at follow-up. However, all follow-up results must be interpreted with caution due to the low rate of follow-up participation. The majority of those that were not followed up had disengaged with the service, and had become uncontactable.