The 2004 evaluation for Lanarkshire patients admitted between 5th August 2002 and 20th February 2004.

Summary of findings

  • 28 drug and 61 alcohol-dependent patients (48 males, 41 females) from the Lanarkshire area entered Castle Craig between 5th August 2002 to 20th February 2004 and stayed in treatment for more than 3 days and also left follow-up contact addresses or telephone numbers with the hospital.
  • Their average length of stay in primary treatment was 5 weeks. 35% then went on to extended care where their average length of stay was 10 weeks.
  • Females were more likely to enter extended care than males.
  • 67 of 89 patients were followed up on average about 50 weeks later. 89% improved, 9% remained the same, and 2% got worse.
  • These patients were generally quite dysfunctional at intake. The average intake CISS total score of the 67 patients was 11.9 and their greatest problems at intake were with drug or alcohol use, lack of occupation, lack of support, psychological problems and health problems.
  • Drug dependent patients tended to have greater problems with social functioning, viral risk, criminality, compliance and working relationships. They were thus also more likely to leave primary treatment prematurely.
  • Patients were generally more dysfunctional than those attending outpatient alcohol or drug services (based on the CISS comparison scores see Appendix).
  • The average follow-up CISS score was 4.1, thus indicating highly significant improvement.
  • Reductions in drug/alcohol use at follow-up were accompanied by improvements in all other CISS domains.
  • Even those who were not totally abstinent at follow-up appeared to have benefited from their experience in treatment, probably by gaining a period of respite during which to recover from the consequences of their excessive drinking or drug use.
  • The following ‘success’ rates for all Lanarkshire patients are conservatively based on the assumption that the 21 patients not followed-up all showed no improvement or otherwise had poor outcomes.
    • Being totally abstinent from all drugs or alcohol at follow-up 45%
    • Achieving low problem severity at follow-up (CISS < 6, see appendix) 54%
    • Showing any reduction in measured levels of dysfunction 67%

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