Comparison of the effectiveness of a 12 step substance use recovery program on quality of life

Substance-related disorders can adversely impact quality of life. This study assessed a 12 step program on health-related quality of life for Iranian individuals seeking to recover from substance use. The study used a quasi-experimental, two group, three stage, pre- and post-test design and collected data at baseline, and at 1 and 3 months’ post-intervention. The treatment group comprised 35 participants in a 12 step program with a non-equivalent comparison group of individuals admitted to addiction treatment centers. Physical and mental health quality-of-life domains were assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. The treatment group improved in all aspects of health-related quality of life. The treatment group improved compared to the comparison group for two of eight quality of life dimensions – physical functioning and role limitations due to emotional problems – at 1 month post-intervention. There were additional improvements at 3 months’ follow up in six of eight quality-of-life subscales compared to the comparison group. The benefits to quality of life related to mental health recovery extended beyond the treatment program, indicating that the program principles were effectively implemented in daily life.