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Publications
Peer Reviewed
McPherson, C., Boyne, H., & Waseem, R. (2017). Understanding the Factors that Impact Relapse Post-residential Addiction Treatment, a Six Month Follow-up from a Canadian Treatment Centre. Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 5(268).
Abstract
Although substance use disorder is a detrimental disease that negatively affects millions of Canadians each year, recovery is possible. Varying factors, however, may impact the likelihood of recovery after the affected individual completes treatment. Understanding the related factors associated with post-treatment outcomes would allow substance use disorder professionals to foster positive outcomes, and if appropriate, provide additional support for individuals in need. This study, therefore, examines the following factors on outcomes six months following discharge from residential substance use disorder treatment: length of stay, completion of treatment, post-treatment 12-Step and other mutual help group attendance, post-treatment drug monitoring, age, gender, and drug of concern. Being male, post-treatment 12-Step and other mutual help group attendance, post-treatment drug monitoring, and treatment completion were found to be significantly related to abstinence at six months following residential treatment. Utilizing the findings of this study can assist healthcare professionals in promoting recovery for patients with substance use disorder.
Peer Reviewed
McPherson, C., Boyne, H., & Willis, R. (2016). The Role of Family in Residential Treatment Patient Retention. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-9.
Abstract
This study aims to examine the completion rate of individuals in a residential addiction center when the individual’s family members or significant others participate in the therapeutic process, contrasted with those who have no family participation. Data was analyzed from 274 patients enrolled in a residential addiction treatment program. These patients were divided into two groups, one having had family participation during treatment, the other having no family participation. These groups were analyzed for successful program completion across various characteristics. Outcome analysis reported a 9.62 % increased program completion rate for those with a family member or significant other involved in a seven-day family program.
Read : The Role of Family in Residential Treatment Patient Retention
Peer Reviewed
McPherson, C., Collins, E., Boyne, H., Kirkaldy, E., & Waseem, R. (2017). Self-Reported Chronic Pain as a Predictor of Relapse Post Residential Addiction Treatment: a 6-Month Follow-up Pilot Study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-12.
Abstract
With the rise of prescription opioids and the subsequent increase in opioid use disorders, the relationship between chronic pain, opioid use disorders, and drug replacement therapy has received great attention. However, few studies have examined the relationship between chronic pain and relapse from a variety of substance use disorders following residential addiction treatment. This pilot study seeks to examine the role of self-reported chronic pain as a predictor of relapse from a variety of substance use disorders for individuals who attended residential addiction treatment. In 198 adult patients, a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient determined that there was not a significant relationship between self-reported chronic pain and relapse at 6 months following treatment: r (198) = −.056, p = .433. However, among those self-reporting chronic pain, women reported slightly more slips and complete relapses than men. The findings of this study can inform professionals working within a residential addiction treatment setting.
Cedars Quality of Life/ & Substance Abuse Outcome Study Introduction
While the field of addiction recovery has made remarkable progress, it is still constantly evolving, with shifting perspectives on how recovery can be both measured and fully achieved. One such change is that addiction is now widely recognized as a chronic condition and a progressive neurobiological disease affecting all aspects of an individual’s well-being. As such, clinical services are adopting strategies similar to treating other chronic conditions. This has led to a massive shift in culture as successful recovery is now being measured not only by abstinence, but also by quality of life.
Quality of life is about an individual’s overall well-being. Just as addiction can negatively affect all aspects of a person’s life – from social or familial relationships, physical and mental health, work, and even living environment – so can recovery, except with positive impacts.
Addiction is progressive in nature and if left untreated, can be fatal. Recovery is also progressive in that a person’s quality of life in active recovery will continue to improve.
But how is quality of life measured? And how can an improved quality of life be achieved?
Cedars’ Quality of Life Longitudinal Study
To help answer these questions and the many others surrounding recovery, Cedars at Cobble Hill has embarked on a two-year study measuring substance abuse and process disorder outcomes for patients, which focuses equally on quality of life domains.
Methods
- Consenting patients will be enrolled in the study upon regular intake at Cedars and administered a quality of life, substance abuse/addiction survey to establish a baseline, approximately 60 minutes in length. This will take place during their first 7 days following admissions.
- Following a patient’s discharge from Cedars will follow up with patients to administer a follow-up survey at the 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24-month intervals in the recovery process. This follow-up will include patients who have completed treatment, as well as those who left prior to completion.
- All data will be anonymized to ensure the safety and confidentiality of all patients involved. Moreover, data will be analyzed in group form only so that individuals cannot be identified from the resulting information we may disseminate in professional publications or meetings.
Knowledge to Action
The most impactful part of this longitudinal study will be using the data collected to further refine and develop our services. At Cedars, we are constantly striving to improve services toward our mission to help patients achieve long-term recovery from addiction with an improved quality of life.
Why is this survey important?
At Cedars, we are dedicated to provide a full recovery for all of our patients. Through our research program, we can study outcome data both within the Cedars’ population and analyze evidence-based best practices in modern medicine. An emerging body of literature on addiction and recovery which has deepened our understanding of what recovery looks like today.
The path to recovery can vary based on age, gender, social support, treatment access and continuity of care, among many other variables. At Cedars, we explore the scientific evidence of recovery and its similarities, and the differences between people and across time.
Life in Recovery Survey
In early 2016, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and the National Recovery Advisory Committee (NRAC) launched the Life in Recovery survey, the first national survey examining life in recovery in Canada.
The Life in Recovery survey was designed to gather information on the life experiences of individuals in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs in Canada, including information on the personal journeys and different pathways that exist for Canadians. With the right prevention services, the right interventions and the right treatments, long-term recovery and a return to family, community and the workplace are attainable and also sustainable. Today, many Canadians in recovery contribute to their families and communities, and lead productive lives — living proof that recovery is possible.
The Life in Recovery survey results will be used to inform health service providers, decision makers and the public about the experiences of individuals in recovery in Canada. The intent is to increase understanding and to help address stigma associated with addiction and recovery.
Utilizing these public surveys and Cedars’ research programs, these results will inform our treatment programs and allow us to provide the best level of individualized care for all of our patients.