The Substance Abuse Treatment Study (SATS) is a descriptive analysis of the content, process and context of group treatment. To address this underdeveloped area of substance abuse research, descriptive data on current treatment practices were collected from a sample of substance abuse treatment facilities.
Nineteen facilities were randomly selected from the Uniform Facility Data Set (UFDS) component of the Drug and Alcohol Services Information System (DASIS). Six instruments were applied in the data collection activity. To assess the effect of observation on the group treatment process, chi square analysis were performed to determine if significant differences were found on variables from time A (non-observed session) to time B (observed session). The method of observation was also examined to determine the efficacy of observation of group treatment.
Observer presence had no effect on level of participation of the clients. This was assessed from both the group leader and group member perspectives. A comparison was made between the groups that had an observer present and taking notes during the session with the groups that had an observer present but not taking notes. No differences were found due to method of observation.
Neither method of observation nor the effects of observation on the group treatment process showed statistical significance. However, some groups declined to participate may have responded differently. This may be the reason for the lack of effect on the process. These results are not generalizable to all treatment facilities yet they provide a implication for future research on outpatient treatment facilities.
Learning Objectives: 1. Assess the effect of observation on the group treatment process 2. Describe the effect of the observation on group leader and group members 3. Neither method of observation nor the effects of observation on the group treatment process showed statistical significance
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Drug Abuse Treatment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.