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Program analyses of the biopsychosocial model in a dual diagnosis treatment agency
Abstract
Individuals who are dually disordered, who have at least one substance use diagnosis and at least one mental health diagnosis, have needs which are not addressed adequately by either the mental health or substance abuse fields (Marlatt, 1988: Sternberg, 1989; Miller, et. al. 1995). Lincoln Lancaster Drug Projects has attempted to respond to the unique needs of individuals by using a Biopsychosocial Model of treatment (LLDP, 1996). There is an inadequate amount of research to determine whether dual diagnosis treatment is effective and whether Biopsychosocial treatment works (Menicucci, Wermuth, & Sorensen, 1988). The overarching question of the present study was whether treatment based on the Biopsychosocial Model was effective. Results of the study failed to support treatment efficacy. In other words, results of the current study did not find that treatment was effective in reducing clients' reports of substance use. However, the program evaluation instruments used did not address much of the concerns of the Biopsychosocial Model. Specifically, the instruments were not sufficiently specific or comprehensive to determine if the different elements of the Biopsychosocial model were effective. Thus, while the results of the current study failed to find effective Biopsychosocial Modeled treatment at Lincoln Lancaster Drug Projects, the program evaluation instruments were insufficient to assert that treatment fails. In other words, the lack of specificity and scope of the data collection instruments makes it impossible to assert that treatment does or does not work. Recommendations for future program evaluations are included in the present study. Some of these recommendations include suggestions to: (1) increase the specificity of the substance use data gathered; (2) eliminate redundant items; (3) incorporate missed elements of the Biopsychosocial Model; (4) record clients' racial and ethnic identity; (5) survey clients with the program evaluation instrument at admission, discharge, as well as several months after discharge. These and the other recommended changes should help to determine whether Biopsychosocial treatment, as implemented by Lincoln Lancaster Drug Projects is effective.
Subject Area
Psychotherapy|Public health|Mental health
Recommended Citation
Card, AnnElizabeth Walker, "Program analyses of the biopsychosocial model in a dual diagnosis treatment agency" (1998). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9829514.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9829514