Enhancing residential substance abuse treatment with computer interventions

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It is extremely common for individuals with substance abuse disorders to also have co-occurring mental health problems. Approximately 60% of participants at Australian residential rehabilitation services report a previous mental health diagnosis, with depressive disorders being the most common. Individuals with co-occurring mental health problems typically have a poorer treatment response and higher rates of relapse. Integrated treatment approaches are recommended for residential substance abuse programs, where both the person’s substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems are concurrently addressed. However, the majority of residential substance abuse services still primarily target the person’s substance abuse problems. One approach to improve treatment is to utilise computer-based self-help programs. Benefits of computer-based approaches to residential settings include: a) the low costs associated with delivering the intervention; b) it doesn’t require additional staff members or training; and c) participants can continue to access the program should they leave the facility early. There is a growing body of literature supporting the usefulness of computer delivered interventions for mental health problems. Additionally, computer-based interventions have been recommended as a way to improve the use of evidence based approaches within routine care. However, only limited controlled dissemination research has been conducted in this area. The aim of the present study is to examine the effectiveness of using a computer delivered comorbidity treatment program for individuals attending long-term residential substance abuse programs. The study will be conducted as a real-world randomized trial, where the Treatment Condition will complete the computer-delivered intervention in addition to treatment as usual.