Impact of Dual Disorders, Trauma, and Social Support on Quality of Life Among Women in Treatment for Substance Dependence

Abstract

Objective Women with dual disorders report lower levels of social support than women with substance dependence alone, and lower levels of social support have been associated with lower quality of life among individuals with substance use disorders. However, little is known about the impact of trauma symptoms and violence exposure on quality of life for women with dual disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of dual disorders, trauma, and social support related to recovery on various domains of quality of life among women in substance abuse treatment. Methods This study utilized multiple standardized measures and hierarchical ordinary least squares regression to examine quality of life, trauma, and social support in women with dual disorders. Four domains of quality of life were measured (Physical, Psychological, Social, and Environmental Domains). Participants (N=369) were recruited from three inner city women only addiction treatment programs. IRB approval was obtained prior to sample recruitment. Results Presence of a dual disorder was significantly associated with lower quality of life in the Physical and Psychological domains. However, this difference was no longer significant when trauma symptoms were added to the model. Trauma symptoms and Support for Recovery significantly predicted quality of life across all four domains and Friends Support for Abstinence across three domains. Conclusions Findings suggest that the presence of a dual disorder in women may indicate a history of trauma. They also support the importance of both friend’s support for abstinence and recovery support as predictors of quality of life in women with dual disorders. Interventions that focus on social support and quality of life in treatment with women with substance use disorders may potentially enhance treatment outcomes.

Personal Network Structure and Substance Use in Women by 12Months Post Treatment Intake

“…In addition, women with dual disorders have more difficulty accessing and using social support (Tracy & Biegel, 2006), and experience less reciprocity within their network relationships (Tracy & Johnson, 2007) than women with a substance use disorder alone, making it difficult for them to realize the benefits that may derive from a supportive network. The high number of trauma symptoms among women with dual disorders (Najavits, Weiss, & Shaw, 1997) both impacts their ability to form positive close social attachments (Bollerud, 1990; Min, Tracy & Park, 2014) and their quality of life post treatment (Brown, Jun, Min & Tracy, 2013). …”

Postpartum psychoactive substance abuse after severe maternal morbidity

“…A study conducted in the USA revealed that women with mental illness and substance use perceived a worse quality of life specifically caused by symptoms associated with traumatic events, more than by the mental disorder itself …”

Formal and Informal Concrete Support and Discharge Disposition among Women in Substance Abuse Treatment in the U.S.

“…For example, promoting changes in personal network size and/or composition and developing more self-help groups are network interventions at the individual and family levels (Hogan, Linden, and Najarian, 2002; Richey, Lovell, and Reid, 1991). Interventions could also include helping women in distancing substance using family members from their non-using network members (Brown, Jun, Min, and Tracy, 2013; Brown, Tracy, Jun, Park, and Min, 2015). …”