NCJ Number
126890
Journal
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (July 1985) Pages: 49-54
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Structured interviews with chronic psychiatric patients who are readmitted to a community-based program in Washington, D.C. or who showed signs of relapse that required crisis management formed the basis of an analysis of the reasons for alcohol and other drug use as part of social life in the community and the effects of theuse on readmissions.
Abstract
During the course of the 1-year study, a total of 16 readmissions occurred, of which 11 were found to be drug related. Twelve additional drug episodes that required crisis management but not a rehospitalization were recorded. Results showed that using marijuana, PCP, or both were an integral part of social life and that peer pressure encouraged individuals to smoke. In addition, 40 percent of the patients reported using both marijuana and alcohol to self-medicate. An unexpected finding was the abuse of the commonly prescribed drug Cogentin by 38 percent. In addition, most of the patients did not understand the psychiatrically debilitating consequences of drug use. To deal with this problem, the program, Community Connections, offered education and led groups to help patients recognize the adverse effects of drugs on themselves and their friends. 9 references