'Just say no': A preliminary evaluation of a three-stage model of integrated treatment for substance use problems in conditions of medium security

Preliminary outcome data evaluating a three-stage model of integrated treatment for substance use problems in conditions of medium security are presented to address the lack of previous research in this area. Stage 1 and Stage 2 are 12-week treatment groups, supporting participants in becoming and remaining substance free, respectively, through motivational interviewing, psycho-education, and relapse prevention approaches. 'Just Say No' (JSN) is a participant-led social group to support continued abstinence throughout admission and up to six months post-discharge. Case notes of all in-patients in 2005 were screened, revealing that 32 (74%) of inpatients had a prior history of substance use problems. Of the 19 who received treatment, 14 (74%) became abstinent by the end of 2005, rising to 15 (79%, missing = 3) by the end of June 2006. However five refused, of whom three (60%) became abstinent, and eight were not referred due to unstable mental state or imminent discharge. There was a significant effect of treatment on whether or not in-patients became drug-free, although only JSN attendance had a significant effect on whether they remained drug-free. By the end of treatment (and maintained at six-month follow-up), participants' self-reported insight and confidence to make changes to their substance use had increased, and there was a trend towards participants reporting more adaptive beliefs about substances and less craving for cannabis. Participants were also satisfied with the treatment intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)