Several years ago, Great Lakes ATTC convened a group of experts on the co-occurrence of substance use disorder (SUD) and domestic partner violence (DV). The goal at that time was to produce a Great Lakes ATTC product to be used in training SUD staff in case-management/treatment of DV among their consumers. In particular, this product was to target more rural programs in the 3-state (now 4-state) region who are often less able to attend training.
A key findings in Great Lakes ATTC’s 1999 Illinois key informant needs assessment was that less urban SUD programs were having a difficult time getting staff trained due to budget and time restrictions at their center. Budget and time restrictions have worsened, and these same restrictions now apply to both urban and rural programs. Despite well established research documenting that well over half of consumers with whom SUD providers have contact are victims or perpetrators of DV, and that DV is a serious health risk which prevents engagement of men and women in SUD treatment and greatly elevates the risk of relapse and complicates the maintenance of recovery, all available findings suggest SUD providers are not properly trained in screening, assessment, or intervention in situations where DV and SUD co-occur. This presents an even more acute situation during times of war and economic downturn, both of which face the nation at this time. It was also found that DV providers are usually not properly trained in screening, assessment, or case management in situations where DV and SUD co-occur.
To read the full Needs Assessment Report, click here!
For questions and comments, contact Larry Bennett at lwbenn@uic.edu.
