Exploring Relationships of Meaning, Co-Occurring Diagnoses, and Attitudes About Substances

• Main Author: Grant, Misty
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: ScholarWorks 2018
• Subjects: Anxiety; Co-occurring Diagnoses; Depression; Meaning; Purpose; Substance Use Disorder; Psychiatric and Mental Health
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5869; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7148&context=dissertations

It is increasingly important to understand the factors associated with individuals struggling with addiction and their quality of life, especially with those struggling with co-occurring diagnoses (CODs). The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which meaning, and CODs of anxiety and depression predict an individual's attitudes and beliefs about addiction among persons receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). The theoretical foundation used to guide this study was logotherapy, which emphasizes the importance of increasing meaning in life through choices, while also centering on being able to find meaning in all situations. A cross-sectional correlation design was employed, using a sample of patient admission records from a dual diagnosis treatment center in the western United States. The responses on 4 assessments related to meaning, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and attitudes about substances were analyzed using a multiple linear regression. There was no statistically significant relationship between an individual's attitudes and beliefs about addiction as predicted by that individual's meaning and CODs symptoms of anxiety and depression. A significant negative correlation existed between depression and meaning (p < .01), while a significant positive correlation existed between the depression and anxiety (p < .05) as well as the anxiety and attitudes about substances (p < .01). The findings from this study can assist counselor educators in understanding the correlation between SUD, increased depressive symptoms, and low personal meaning.