About Our Dual Diagnosis Outcome Study
Red Oak Recovery (ROR) is comprised of highly skilled, dedicated and caring addiction, trauma, and mental health professionals focused on providing a safe and healing environment for young adults and their families to begin the recovery process. Through the integration of experiential and clinical modalities, Red Oak Recovery engages our clients in the process of discovering healthy alternatives to their limiting beliefs and self-destructive behaviors. ROR also is committed to the rigorous evaluation of therapeutic programming. Thus, in cooperation with the Center for Research, Assessment, and Treatment Efficacy (CReATE; Asheville, NC) and the Arkansas Interdisciplinary Sciences Laboratory (ArKIDS; University of Arkansas), ROR is collaborating on a rigorous and comprehensive dual diagnosis outcome study, investigating the effectiveness of adventure programming for young adults with substance use disorders. Using state-of-the-art assessment, sampling, and retention techniques, the research team began enrolling consenting men and women in the outcome study in 2015. 256 young adults have participated; data collection will continue indefinitely, as ROR strives to advance the empirical understanding of how clients respond to therapeutic interventions and what factors influence their recovery over time.
Upon admission to ROR, the majority of clients were consistently using alcohol, marijuana, and stimulant and/or anxiolytic medications (not as prescribed by their physician), with 50% of clients reporting opiate use as well. Eighty percent of clients, at admission reported symptoms of substance use which exceed that of 99% of the population, as well as significant depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption. At graduation from ROR, clients reported highly significant improvements across these areas and all other areas of functioning. Of note, these improvements were maintained when clients were assessed at their first follow-up assessment (3-months post-treatment). Importantly, less than 4% of clients reported any substance use at this assessment, with upwards of 90% of clients maintaining their recovery program. Mindfulness is a component of treatment at ROR and thus, was measured to gauge skill acquisition and impact on sobriety and psychopathology. The majority of clients demonstrated improved mindfulness skills, from pre- to post-treatment and importantly, these skills were associated with improvements in functioning. More specifically, clients who demonstrated the greatest improvement in mindfulness skills also demonstrated the greatest improvement in symptoms of depression, suicidality, and substance use disorders, when compared to clients who did not improve their skills. This suggests that skills associated with a mindful approach to recovery may be an active treatment component and integral to successful maintenance of sobriety for young adults. As data collection continues, we look forward to presenting a comprehensive review of findings, including clients’ functioning 12-months after their graduation from ROR.