A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE IMPLIMENTATION OF A MODEL INTENSIVE DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM AT A PIONEER DE-ADDICTION CENTRE IN ARMED FORCES

AIM: To study the course and outcome of an Intensive Structured Deaddiction programme in armed forces personnel at a pioneer deaddiction centre. METHOD: .345 difficult to treat patients were treated in batches with the structured management program consisting detailed assessment, pharmacotherapy, Motivation Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behaviuor therapy, Psycho Education in three phases over a six-week period. The here phases consisted of Evaluation (One week) De-addiction Phase (Four weeks) and post treatment Protocol Phase (one week)A dedicated de-addiction team was ear-marked, headed by a specialist in Addiction Psychiatry. The cases were followed by means of a standardised protocol. RESULTS: 10 batches with total of 345 patients have received benefit of de-addiction therapy. 94% of these were AUD cases, 4% cannabis and 2% were addicted to opioids. On the basis of feedback received from units of the patients , 58.4% were reported to be completely abstinent, 16.7% occasionally drinking with satisfactory vocational performance, 13.9 % had relapsed into substance use and 11 % were lost to follow up. DISCUSSION: Sociodemographic were similar to other studies conducted in armed forces. All the patients were matriculates and above. Domestic violence reported less which could be due to under-reporting. Comparison with similar methods at other places in military set up is not possible at this stage. CONCLUSION: A well structured and intensive and comprehensive deaddiction program seems to be working well in the military set up. Fine tuning the method and training to medical residents, nursing staff and medical officers hold the prospect of a salutary change in the attitude of all and improve soldier efficiency.