Retrospective Study of Treatment Outcomes: Understanding the Role of Personal, Organizational, and Treatment Factors in Army Alcohol Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

Study Objectives: We want to understand what things make soldiers more successful in their alcohol misuse treatment as part of the Army Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) program. This study will explore some of the differences between confidential and mandatory treatment options available to soldiers today. We specifically want to know more about how health, work, family, sleep, motivation, treatment options, and individual differences, might contribute to success. Soldiers are considered to receive successful treatment when they achieve all their goals and maintain military readiness standards. Learning more about what things make soldiers more successful in treatment may improve the health and wellness of soldiers, families, and the Army community. Study Focus: Our proposed study will address the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP) Focus Area 3a, as it will study the systems of care that can promote sustained functional recovery through Army Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) treatment among U.S. Army Service Members (SMs). Our research seeks to close a gap in knowledge which will provide a better understanding of the intersection of risk and protective factors in long-term psychological health outcomes. Potential Benefits, and Risks: This study promises to improve the delivery of care to Soldiers, leaders, and Army families impacted by alcohol misuse. Nearly a third of Soldiers are estimated to experience problems with alcohol. Indirectly the findings may lead to improvements in treatment and policy, which in turn promises to improve the readiness of the Army, military communities, and national security. Risks from the research are no greater to study participants than issues faced in everyday life. Former patients and staff will be interviewed as part of the research. Other data will be gathered from anonymous health care records. Projected Timeline: The study will collect data from 2023-2026 and present findings to military policy makers in early 2026. Treatment improvements may begin impacting individuals in care in 2026.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jan 04, 2024
Source ID
HT94252320015

Entities

People

  • Elisa V. Borah

Organizations

  • United States Army
  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control