The Burnaby treatment center for mental health and addiction, a novel integrated treatment program for patients with addiction and concurrent disorders: results from a program evaluation

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with addictions and concurrent disorders constitute the most underserved population in the system of care. There are numerous reasons why this population has so much difficulty accessing services, including behavioural issues, criminal engagement, and non-compliance with outpatient services. To improve services to this population which is marked by multiple morbidities, high mortality and insufficient access to health care, the government of British Columbia, Canada developed a program for people with both substance use disorder and one or more mental disorders who have not benefited from previous therapies.MethodIn July 2008, the Burnaby Treatment Centre for Mental Health and Addiction (BCMHA), a specialized and integrated tertiary care facility, was opened. The current article provides a description of the treatment program and a clinical profile of the population.ResultsThe target population is being served, at intake clients present with high rates of psychopathology, childhood and adult trauma, and substance use.ConclusionWhile preliminary, these results indicate, that the novel approach of the Burnaby Centre may constitute a new path towards providing effective recovery for this population.

Efficacy indicators of four methods in outpatient addiction treatment

“…Indeed, both the combined treatment modalities (III and IV) add at least two complementary and concerted interventions in the same treatment program. The inclusion of two complementary interventions directed to the patients' deficit areas can promote a positive effect in treatment outcomes 3,4 , specifically in the patient's involvement in treatment.…”

“…The literature suggests that these specific types of treatment are more effective as more they take into account the diversity and the patients' deficit areas, through an eclectic and systematic approach 1 . It is not just a question of finding a good match between patient and treatment modality 2 , but of acting in a concerted manner upon the various deficit areas of the patient 3,4 . It is an established fact in the scientific community that a combined and integrated treatment by itself increases the likelihood of obtaining better results not only in addiction problems 3,4 , but also in various treatments for mental disorders 1 .…”

The impact of mood symptomatology on pattern of substance use among homeless

“…Homeless populations are characterized by a high prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) and serious mental illness (Fazel et al, 2008;Krausz et al, 2013;Palepu et al, 2013;Patterson et al, 2013). Between 29% and 75% of homeless use alcohol and/or illicit drugs (Edens et al, 2011;Schutz et al, 2013;Velasquez et al, 2000;Vila-Rodriguez et al, 2013), while alcohol in particular has been found to be used by 35-51% of homeless samples tested (Haugland et al, 1997;Kushel et al, 2001;O'Toole T et al, 2004).…”

Empowering people with concurrent disorder in a clinical context: a structural perpective

“…People with CD experience increased psychotic symptoms, poorer treatment retention, reduced medication adherence, more housing insecurity, increased rates of HIV infection, and higher usage of emergency room services, relative to those affected by only addiction or mental health issues (McDonell et al , 2012 (Schutz et al, 2013). The most used substances of people with CD in the program were crack or powder cocaine at 65.2%, alcohol at 48 .9%, and heroin at 33.7%.…”

“…Provincially, the BCMHA exclusively treats people with CD. Access protocols to the BCMHA for the five regional health authorities, including Northern Health, dictate that for people to be granted admission, they must have significant issues in mental health, substance use, physical health, and behaviour and have been unable to adequately engage with, receive services from, or benefit from services at a regional level (Schutz et al , 2013).…”