Recovered, in treatment, or dead? A 20-year follow-up of women and men in Swedish substance use treatment

A society’s substance use treatment (SUT) system should meet the needs of the individual, whether it is a need for a brief intervention or long term treatment. The group that dominates Swedish SUT needs more in-depth treatment with repeated and different kinds of interventions.

This underlines the importance of long-term follow-ups and of taking a great grasp of the system.The present study builds on the comprehensive study Women and Men in Swedish Alcohol and Drug Treatment conducted 2000-2004.

It used patient and client interviews (n=1865) with a one year follow-up, register data as well as a survey to the general population, followed up a year later. Treatment staff took part in a survey. After five years, a second follow-up was conducted (2007-2008) with a sample of patients/clients.

Differences between Sweden and the US and mortality in Sweden were investigated.Since 20-years have passed since baseline interviews this study plans to conduct a long-term follow-up of the patients/clients who have given their consent.

The analyses will be based on both register data on all consenting participants and interviews with a smaller sample (c. 40) of those who either lead an integrated life or who are still part of the treatment system. Registry data will also respond to mortality.

As previous research has shown major differences regarding gender and socio-economic background, these aspects will be considered in the analyses of long-term outcomes.The study provides knowledge about which factors that contribute to an integrated life and which hinder this, in a long-term perspective.

The register data provides the opportunity to study mortality (including deaths by corona/COVID-19) over time among alcohol and drug misusers, in order to identify risk factors.

As a society strives for a healthy population, it is important that treatment leads to integration and this study will contribute to deeper insight into the role of treatments for rehabilitation.