Quality of life, needs, and interest among cocaine users: differences by cocaine use intensity and lifetime severity of addiction to cocaine

Subst Use Misuse. 2011;46(4):390-7. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2010.501675. Epub 2010 Aug 24.

Abstract

We examined the quality of life (QoL) of 149 patients who were recruited in 2005 at outpatient treatment centers for cocaine dependence in Spain. Important life areas and life areas with potential need and interest to change in order to improve the QoL were analyzed in terms of patients? cocaine use intensity within the previous six months and lifetime severity addiction to cocaine. The Spanish versions of the Drug User Quality of Life Scale and the Lifetime Severity Index for Cocaine were used to measure QoL, needs and interest, and severity addiction to cocaine. The data analysis employed t-tests, linear regression, Mann?Whitney U tests, multivariate regression, and chi-square tests. Tailoring treatment programs to address the life areas that are considered relevant to cocaine users considering their intensity of consumption and lifetime severity addiction to cocaine may improve retention and treatment outcomes. Further research needs to consider patients of different ethnic backgrounds and cultural contexts. The study's limitations are noted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Cocaine
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment
  • Outpatients
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Cocaine