Twelve Step Based Self-help Groups for Substance Related Disorders

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Substance Use Disorders

• Registration Number: NCT00708890
• Lead Sponsor: Sorlandet Hospital HF

Brief Summary

The Twelve Step groups are the most available and widespread self-help groups for patients with alcohol or drug related disorders. In a public health perspective, self-help groups (SHGs) may be considered as a supplement to professional treatment and provide aftercare soon as professional treatment has ended.

There is a need to investigate if U.S. findings and procedures concerning referrals from the health services to Twelve Step Groups (TSGs) can be replicated and accommodated to a cultural setting which is unfamiliar with these groups. There is also a particular need in the Norwegian treatment system to develop alternative treatment strategies for patients undergoing detoxification to improve their chances of long-term recovery, due to deficient formal follow-up alternatives.

We plan to carry out a RCT-study. One hundred and sixty patients entering a detoxification treatment center (Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway) will be assigned to two different groups: One given standard information about TSGs (brief advice) and one given intensive referral (motivational sessions and contact with TSG volunteers). A follow up assessment is planned at 6 months to determine whether intensive referral results in more TSG attendance, and if this mediates less substance use and better functioning outcomes.

This study introduces a new concept in the Norwegian health care system and relies on a systematic cooperation with user organizations (SHGs) and user volunteers. Thus the study focuses strongly on user resources.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2008-06-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2008-07-01
• Study First Posted: 2008-07-02
• Study Start: 2008-09
• Primary Completion: 2011-02
• Study Completion: 2011-02
• Status Verified: 2014-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-02-03
• Last Update Posted: 2023-02-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 140

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients with alcohol and substance use disorders treated on a detox ward

Exclusion Criteria

• Severe psychiatric comorbidity
• Patients on opioid replacement therapy
• Those who have appointment with other inpatient treatment at intake (and will be transferred to such treatment)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Self-help groups attendance and involvement during 6 months observation period.	Six months after detox treatment

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
1)Substance use outcomes measured by Europ-ASI 2) Quality of Life	6 months after detox treatment

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sørlandet Sykehus; 🇳🇴 Kristiansand, VA, Norway