Research Method / And A McMahon University Of Phoenix Formul

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Research Methods LaShanda McMahon University of Phoenix Formulating the Problem Statement and the Purpose Statement Over the past decade, there have been several changes in drug addiction treatment that has shown results that show reduced associated health and social costs by more than the cost of the treatments. It has been found that treatments cost much less that the alternatives, such as incarcerating people with addictions. There are many savings related to healthcare, which includes, total savings that can exceed costs with a ratio of 12 to 1. Major savings to the individual and to society also stems from fewer interpersonal conflicts; greater workplace productivity; and fewer drug-related accidents, including overdoses and deaths (Woody, M.D., 2018).

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The escalating crisis of substance abuse and addiction in the United States necessitates the development of effective treatment strategies that not only facilitate recovery but also reduce societal and economic costs. Over recent years, evidence has emerged suggesting that longer-term and more comprehensive treatment approaches are more effective in achieving sustained sobriety and reducing relapse rates. This paper explores the relationship between treatment durations, levels of care, and periods of sobriety to determine if extended treatment correlates with improved outcomes and lower costs.

Background and Significance

Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a substantial public health concern, affecting millions nationwide. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2012), investing in substance abuse treatment yields significant financial benefits by reducing crime, healthcare expenditures, and productivity losses. The ratio of healthcare savings to treatment costs can be as high as 12:1, underscoring the economic viability of investing in comprehensive treatment programs.

Despite these benefits, many treatment programs are characterized by inadequate lengths of care, often resulting in high relapse rates. The misconception that detoxification alone cures addiction persists, overshadowing the necessity for multimodal, long-term treatment. Research by Goldstein (1997) emphasized that treating addiction as a chronic disease requires sustained intervention, aligning with findings from Weisner et al. (2003), who found that patients who received a minimum of six months of treatment maintained abstinence for at least five years. Nevertheless, insurance policies often limit treatment duration, hindering long-term recovery prospects.

Problem Statement

A common misconception is that detoxification cures addiction, yet addiction is a chronic disorder requiring long-term, multimodal treatment (Korsmeyer et al., 2009). Insufficient treatment duration and inadequate levels of care contribute to high relapse rates, increased healthcare costs, and societal harm. The high costs of untreated addiction and frequent relapses underscore the need to examine the impact of extended treatment. Insurance limitations and policy constraints further exacerbate these issues, decreasing access to comprehensive care and hindering long-term recovery outcomes.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this correlational study is to examine the relationship between the duration of sobriety and four levels of substance abuse treatment, including higher levels (detox, inpatient, residential) and lower levels (partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient). The study aims to determine whether longer treatment periods are associated with increased sobriety and reduced relapse and to explore how different levels of care influence treatment outcomes. Additionally, the study will gather personal perspectives from patients via interviews to understand factors influencing their need for ongoing treatment.

Research Questions

  • RQ1: Is there a relationship between longer treatment stays and associated costs?
  • RQ2: Is there a relationship between higher levels of substance abuse treatment and length of sobriety?

These questions will guide the investigation into how treatment duration and intensity impact sobriety duration and economic costs, providing insights for policy improvements and clinical practices.

Methodology

This study will employ a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Quantitative data will include structured surveys, treatment records, and economic analyses obtained from clinics and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Qualitative data will be collected through interviews with patients, exploring their personal experiences, perceptions, and reasons for ongoing drug use or maintenance of sobriety.

The rationale for using mixed methods rests on the principle that integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches yields a comprehensive understanding of complex issues like addiction treatment (Burke & Onwuegbuzie, 2016). Quantitative data will establish patterns and relationships between treatment duration, costs, and sobriety, while qualitative insights will contextualize these findings with personal and experiential perspectives.

Design and Justification

Given the ethical and logistical constraints, a quasi-experimental design will be utilized. Random assignment to different treatment lengths is neither feasible nor ethical; thus, existing treatment data and patient histories will serve as the basis for analysis. This design allows for the identification of trends and correlations while addressing real-world treatment settings. It also reduces resource requirements and minimizes ethical concerns related to withholding or assigning specific treatments.

The focus on long-term versus short-term treatment episodes aligns with current debates regarding optimal care durations. The study will examine treatment outcomes based on existing data, looking specifically at relapse rates, sobriety duration, and associated costs. This approach is supported by literature emphasizing the importance of extended treatment lengths (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2015).

Implications for Practice and Policy

Findings from this study can influence clinical practice by highlighting the benefits of longer and more intensive care levels, potentially guiding modifications in treatment protocols. Moreover, the results may inform policymakers and insurance providers about the importance of coverage for extended treatment durations. Recognizing the economic and health benefits of comprehensive care could lead to policy shifts that promote sustained interventions, ultimately decreasing relapse rates and societal costs.

Conclusion

Addiction treatment effectiveness hinges largely on the length and level of care provided. Despite evidence supporting long-term treatment benefits, policy and insurance limitations often restrict access to such care. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between treatment duration, care levels, and sobriety, offering valuable insights to improve treatment outcomes and resource allocation. A combined quantitative and qualitative methodology enhances the reliability and depth of findings, ultimately contributing to the development of evidence-based addiction treatment policies.

References

  • Burke, R., & Onwuegbuzie, J. (2016). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14-26. doi:10.3102/X
  • Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). Behavioral health trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. HHS Publication No. SMA-15-4958, NSDUH Series H-50.
  • Goldstein, A. (1997). The selfish brain: Learning from addiction. Addiction, 92(12), 1789-1795.
  • Korsmeyer, P., & Kranzler, H.R. (2009). Myths about addiction and its treatments. In Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, & Addictive Behaviors (3rd ed., Vol. 3, pp. 93). Detroit: Macmillan.
  • Medicare. (n.d.). Your Medicare coverage: Mental health care (inpatient). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (3rd ed.). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017, April 24). Trends & Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/trends-statistics
  • Weisner, C., Ray, G., Mertens, J., Satre, D., & Moore, C. (2003). Long-term sobriety after outpatient treatment for alcohol dependence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 24(3), 213-220.
  • Woody, G. E. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). National Institute on Drug Abuse.
  • World Health Organization. (2016). Resources for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Global Health Observatory Data.

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