Research
Satisfaction with life and opioid dependence
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* Corresponding author: Jason Luty sl006h3607@blueyonder.co.uk
1 Department of Psychiatry, South Essex Partnership NHS Trust, Southend on Sea, Essex, UK
2 Department of Forensic Psychiatry, South Essex Partnership NHS Trust, Southend on Sea, Essex, UK
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 2008, 3:2 doi:10.1186/1747-597X-3-2
Published: 28 January 2008Abstract
Background
Serious substance misuse and dependence is widely seen as damaging to an individual and to society in general. Whereas the medical and society effects of substance misuse are widely described, some commentators suggest substance misuse may be an "alternative lifestyle".
Aim
To assess general life satisfaction amongst treatment-seeking people with substance dependence.
Methods
The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) was administered to a sample of opioid-dependent people receiving substitute medication.
Results
105 subjects and 105 age-sex matched subjects in a comparison group completed the questionnaire. The mean SWLS score was 7.12 (SD = 10.6; median = 6) for patients compared to 22.6 (SD = 6.8) in the comparison group. (Two sided p < 0.0001; Median difference = -13.5; Wilcoxon signed rank test.)
Conclusion
The study used a validated instrument and objective reports to confirm significantly higher rates of dissatisfaction with life among opioid dependent people in treatment when compared to members of the general population.