GROUP TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE-ABUSE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Objectives: A review of the relevant research suggests a need to devel op an appropriate, effective, and replicable treatment to help individ uals with schizophrenia and substance abuse problems. This pilot study describes a biweekly group specifically designed to help the individu al with both schizophrenia and substance abuse. The components of the group were support, psychoeducation, and skills training. Attention wa s also paid to the stage of recovery. Method: Eighteen subjects attend ed the group and were assessed pregroup. Thirteen subjects completed a 1-year follow-up, and 5 subjects were assessed between 3 and 6 months . Results: At the follow-up assessment, 8 subjects (44%) were abstinen t. Conclusions: This type of treatment appears to be effective for red ucing substance abuse in this population.