Program Evaluation of Group Transcending Self Therapy: An Integrative Modular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Polak, Kathryn; Meyer, Brian L; Neale, Zoe E; Reisweber, Jarrod
• Is Part Of: Substance abuse. Volume 14(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: substance use disorder -- cognitive behavioral therapy -- veterans -- group therapy -- integrative therapy -- treatment outcome; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance Abuse & Addiction; Drug abuse; Drug abuse -- Treatment; Substance abuse; Substance abuse -- Treatment; Substance-Related Disorders -- therapy; Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1177/1178221820947653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1178-2218

Abstract

Objectives: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are increasingly prevalent among Veterans. Effective interventions for SUDs that also meet the clinical reality of open treatment groups are needed. Transcending Self Therapy: Group Integrative Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (Group TST-I-CBT) was developed to address this need. Group TST-I-CBT is a four-module, 20-session treatment designed so that a person can enter at any point in the treatment. We conducted a program evaluation of Group TST-I-CBT for veterans with SUDs. Methods: Participants were N = 68 veterans enrolled in the 28-day Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at an urban Veterans Administration Medical Center who received either Group TST-I-CBT (N = 34) or treatment-as-usual (TAU; N = 34). Medical records were reviewed and participant treatment outcome data was retrieved. Group TST-I-CBT clients completed a knowledge and feedback form at treatment completion. Results: Compared to TAU participants, Group TST-I-CBT participants were significantly less likely to have a positive urine drug screen (UDS) during treatment (17.6% versus 0%; P = .01) and within one month post-discharge (50% versus 17.6%; P = .04). Among Group TST-I-CBT clients, Quality of Life Inventory scores significantly increased by an average of 14 points from pre- to post-treatment, t (15) = –3.31, P = .005, d = 0.83. Group TST-I-CBT clients displayed cognitive-behavioral therapy knowledge (mean correct answers ranged from 92%-100%) and rated Group TST-I-CBT as helpful, understandable, and useful (mean scores ranged from 9.3-9.6 out of 10). Conclusions: These preliminary data indicate that Group TST-I-CBT may be an effective group therapy as part of SUD treatment. A formal randomized controlled trial of Group TST-I-CBT may be warranted.