Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

As the prevalence of opioid dependence has increased and transcended traditional socio-demographic lines, questions regarding the specific needs and challenges of treating opiate dependence in the private section remain unaddressed. Opiate dependence has often been typified as requiring different or additional measures beyond other substance dependence treatments. This study investigated what significant differences, if any, exist between opiate and non-opiate users who enter voluntary, private, residential treatment, and the impact of any differences relative to treatment motivation, length and outcomes. Data for this study was drawn from 1,972 individuals, utilizing the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), the Treatment Service Review (TSR), the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA), and a 36-item Satisfaction measure. Interviews were conducted at program intake, and 1 and 6-month interviews post-discharge. The results demonstrate that although opiate users entered treatment with higher levels of impairment, they were just as successful in treatment outcomes as their non-opiate using peers; suggesting that residential, abstinence-based treatment is just as effective form of treatment for opiate users as it is for non-opiate users

Biography

Siobhan holds a masters degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. While at FIU, she participated in a number of research projects, including a National Institute of Mental Health/Mental Health Statistic Improvement Project (NIMH/MHSIP) focusing on the severely and persistently mentally ill; United States Department of Education (USDOE) evaluations; and local evaluations of at-risk youth. As an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University, Siobhan taught program planning and evaluation for the College of Urban and Public Affairs. She also served as a lead coordinator in the joint United Way, Children Now and Dade Community Foundation Project entitled, Report Card on the Status of Childrens Services in Dade County, where she pioneered the use of report card technologies. Siobhan earned her certification as a clinical research coordinator (CRC) from the Associates of Clinical Pharmacology and conducted over 100 clinical trials with major pharmaceutical companies investigating new and promising treatments. She holds her certifications as an ARISE interventionist and as a master addiction counselor. Siobhan has several current publications in research journals, including indexed PubMed citations. Currently Siobhan is the director of quality and research for Foundations Recovery Network