Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104183

Dennis Moore, EdD and Mary J. Mcaweeney, PhD. School of Medicine - SARDI Program, Wright State University, 3171 Research Blvd., Kettering, OH 45420, 937-775-1490, dennis.moore@wright.edu

Substance use disorders (SUD) among persons with mental illness (MI) has been found to negatively influence employment and rehabilitation outcomes and often cost more to treat than other chronic conditions. Previous research has shown that a substantial portion of persons with this dual diagnosis exhibit cognitive impairments in memory, decision-making, and judgment which can adversely impact rehabilitation outcomes. This paper reviews a study of “cognitive compensation skills training” (CCST) as an adjunct to alcohol and drug treatment. It was hypothesized that the CCST group would demonstrate improved cognitive functioning and rehabilitation outcomes relative to participants in the control group. A total of 85 subjects were recruited from two SUD treatment providers in Dayton, Ohio. Analysis of variance indicated no differences between the control group and the CCST group on the performance of 14 cognitive measures; however, a repeated measures analysis found that both groups experienced statistically significant gains in cognitive performance over time. The study also provided evidence of the pervasiveness of cognitive impairments within this population. It is suggested that SUD treatment providers include cognitive functioning measures in their intake assessment batteries, and the results should be considered when formulating rehabilitation plans.

Learning Objectives:

• To inform rehabilitation and health care professionals of recent results of a cognitive intervention for persons with substance abuse and mental illness.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Illness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.