Impact of addiction comorbidities on the course of addiction

This study explored the effect of comorbidities in treatment-seeking people with substance-use disorders, and the relationship between comorbidity and relapse.^[1] A sample of 287 people with substance-use disorders, who had received treatment, were followed-up six years after leaving treatment.^[1] As outlined on the slide, the rates of relapse and mortality were high.^[1] The authors concluded that, in order to reduce these long-term risks, individuals treated for substance-use disorders should also be assessed – and where necessary treated – for comorbidities such as depression and agoraphobia.^[1]

Reference:
[1] Landheim AS, Bakken K, Vaglum P. Impact of comorbid psychiatric disorders on the outcome of substance abusers: a six year prospective follow-up in two Norwegian counties. BMC Psychiatry 2006; 6: 44.

[2] Greenfield SF, Weiss RD, Muenz LR, et al. The effect of depression on return to drinking: a prospective study. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1998; 55 (3): 259–265.