Satisfaction with life and opioid dependence

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.