(PS1-4) Assessing Premature Termination from a Men's Residential Integrated Substance Abuse Treatment Program Through Reported Trauma Experiences

Recognizing recovery from substance abuse (SA) issues as an ongoing challenge also recognizes that relapse is a common experience for those on this journey (Andersson et al., 2019; Ciraulo et al., 2003; Syan et al., 2020; Vazquez, 2015). Research has found that rates of relapse increase when individuals drop out of treatment (specifically in-patient treatment) early (Lappan et al., 2020). Furthermore, there is a well-established relationship between those undergoing SA treatment and experiences of trauma such that previous studies have found at least 85% of the treatment population reported experiencing at least one trauma experience (Giordana et al., 2016), and another reporting 95% of their population (Wu et al., 2010). There is also evidence to indicate increased rates of premature termination from SA treatment for those with experiences of trauma (Syan et al., 2020), however additional research is needed. The current study was conducted at a residential addiction treatment program for men in Southern Ontario looking at premature termination from treatment in relation to an integrated group-based gender responsive treatment that has not previously been assessed within this population (Helping Men Recover and Exploring Trauma; Covington et al., 2011). The program is designed using a cognitive behavioural therapy approach to address issues specific to male-identifying individuals that struggle with SA issues including how their SA issues connect with their sense of self, relationships, the role of sexuality, spirituality and the role of trauma. The aims of this project include: assessing whether participants are prematurely terminating treatment around specific modules, if drop out is predicted by the number of traumatic experiences reported, and if drop out is predicted by the type of trauma reported. A total of 44 participants terminated treatment prematurely between February 2020 and January 2023. Participant attendance in groups was tracked over the course of treatment. As part of the baseline assessment participants completed the Brief Trauma Questionnaire which will be used to assess reports of trauma experiences. Data collection has been completed and data analysis is currently underway. To analyze the relationship between premature termination and reports of trauma Chi-square analyses will be conducted. The relationship between premature termination and number of traumatic events, and premature termination and type of traumatic event will be analyzed using logistic regression analyses. The results of this research will contribute to our understanding of how trauma may influence drop out from SA treatment. Findings would also potentially allow for improvement of care through a more comprehensive understanding of which individuals may be particularly at risk for drop out and relapse providing a possible point of intervention.