The effectiveness of court-mandated compulsory treatment in promoting abstinence among people with substance use disorders in Iran.

BACKGROUND: In Iran, people living with substance use disorders who engage in public drug use may be subjected to court-mandated treatment in compulsory drug detention and rehabilitation centers (CDDRC). This study aims to assess residential CDDRC's effectiveness in promoting sustained abstinence among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Kerman, Iran. METHODS: Between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022, 1,083 adult male PWUD with a diagnosis of substance use disorders and a history of engagement in public drug use were admitted to the CDDRC in Kerman. They were followed-up for 12 months after discharge. The relationship between baseline variables and abstinence, assessed using rapid urine tests, was examined using crude logistic regression models. RESULTS: Most PWUD were 30 or older (n = 876, 80.9 %) and had a history of previous CDDRC admission (n = 638, 58.9 %). At the end of the 12-month follow-up, only 2.6 % (95 % confidence intervals: 1.7-3.7) were abstinent. Individuals with limited education (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.43; 1.50-7.95) and those with a prior history of admission to the CDDRC (OR = 3.73; 1.55-9.89) had increased odds of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of CDDRC in promoting abstinence among the participants was minimal. This highlights the necessity of reassessing support and investment in these interventions and considering more evidence-informed alternative approaches in Iran.

Beneficios de la atención telefónica durante la pandemia covid19 en la adherencia terapéutica en pacientes con alcoholismo y otras adicciones / Advantages of telephone assistance on adherence to treatment in patients with alcohol and other addictions during the Covid19 pandemic

La pandemia por covid19 ha generado muchas publicaciones acerca de su influencia en el tratamiento y evolución de personas con un trastorno por uso de sustancias, con resultados contradictorios, a veces basadas en datos y otras en inferencias indirectas de otros datos. En este trabajo se estudia la adherencia y tasas de abstinencia de pacientes que inician tratamiento en una Unidad de Conductas Adictivas durante la pandemia, respecto a otros que acudieron el año previo y comparando los que hicieron visita presencial o telefónica. Los resultados indicaron mejor adherencia al mes de seguimiento en los pacientes del periodo covid19 y en los que fueron atendidos telefónicamente. A los 3 y 12 meses se mantuvo una mejor adherencia, aunque no significativa estadísticamente. Respecto a la abstinencia, el pequeño tamaño de la muestra dificultó obtener diferencias significativas. Se concluye que la pandemia, aunque ha significado una disminución del número de inicios de tratamientos por consumo de sustancias, también ha repercutido en una mayor adherencia a corto y medio plazo. La atención telefónica puede jugar un papel importante y positivo en este aspecto, complementario a otros recursos e intervenciones. (AU)

The Covid19 pandemic has led to many publications about its influence on the treatment and evolution of individuals with a substance use disorder, leading to contradictory results. In this study, the adherence and abstinence rates of patients who started treatment in an Addictive Behavior Unit during the pandemic are analyzed, compared with others who attended the previous year and comparing those who were attended in person or by phone. The results indicate that during the Covid19 period, patients had greater adherence to treatment after one month of follow up and when attended to by phone. At 3 and 12 months, greater adherence was maintained, although it was not statistically significant. Regarding abstinence, the small sample size made it difficult to obtain significant differences. The conclusion is that, despite a quantitative decrease in the number of patients beginning drug treatment, in qualitative terms the pandemic led to greater adherence in the short and medium term. Telephone attention can play an important and positive role at this point, complementary to other resources and interventions. (AU)

HIV Prevention Services in Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities in the United States.

Residential substance use disorder treatment is designed to treat more severe substance use disorders. Considering the strong association between substance use and HIV, providing HIV prevention services during residential substance use disorder treatment is imperative. However, not all treatment facilities offer the same services, and differences in residential substance use disorder treatment facilities providing HIV prevention services might stem from facility-level characteristics. Using 3 years (2018-2020) of cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, we examined which treatment facility characteristics were associated with having HIV prevention services. Using a logistic regression model with HIV prevention services as the outcome, we found that facilities that were accredited, engaged in community outreach, and offered assistance with housing and transportation were more likely to provide HIV prevention services. Furthermore, facilities in the Midwest and West were less likely to provide HIV prevention services than those in the South.

Adolescentes usuarios de sustancias ingresados en tratamiento: Características y factores asociados a la duración del tratamiento / Substance-using adolescents admitted to inpatient treatment: Characteristics and factors associated with length of time in treatment

Los estudios sobre adolescentes ingresados para tratamiento de uso de sustancias son limitados. Analizamos las características de adolescentes ingresados para tratamiento en un hospital psiquiátrico en Brasil y los factores asociados con la duración de su tratamiento. Métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo. Analizamos los registros electrónicos de tratamiento de 172 jóvenes (hasta los 17 años de edad) ingresados para tratamiento por uso de sustancias en el Hospital Lacan en Brasil. Resultados: La edad media de los participantes era 15,18 años (SD = 1,39). La muestra era mayoritariamente masculina (68,60%), cuyo ingreso fue involuntario (80,81%), sin escolarizar (89,82%), involucrada en el sistema de justicia penal (59,88%) y proveniente de una familia con problemas relacionados con el uso de sustancias (74,67%). La readmisión como paciente a tratamiento por problemas de uso de sustancias era frecuente. Como media, los adolescentes estuvieron ingresados para tratamiento durante 3 meses. La duración del tratamiento estaba asociada con: admisión involuntaria al tratamiento, reingreso hospitalario para tratamiento, solicitudes de alta del tratamiento por parte de familiares/cuidadores, nivel de estudios, abandono escolar debido a conducta agresiva, y uso de cocaína. Conclusión: Los hallazgos destacan los perfiles complejos de los adolescentes ingresados para tratamiento por el uso de sustancias en Brasil. Es necesaria una colaboración entre los sistemas de salud mental, educación y servicios de justicia para tratar el uso de sustancias entre adolescentes. (AU)

Studies of adolescents receiving inpatient substance use treatment remain limited. We explored the characteristics of adolescents who received substance use treatment as inpatients in a psychiatric hospital in Brazil and factors associated with length of time in this treatment. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Electronic treatment records of 172 young people (aged 17 and below) receiving substance use treatment at Hospital Lacan in Brazil were analysed. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.18 years (SD = 1.39). The sample was characterised as predominately male (68.60%), who entered treatment involuntarily (80.81%), were out of school (89.82%), were involved with the criminal justice system (59.88%) and came from a family with substance use problems (74.67%). Re-admission to inpatient treatment for substance use problems was common. On average, adolescents received inpatient treatment for 3 months. Length of time in treatment was associated with: involuntary admission to treatment, re-admission to inpatient treatment, requests of discharge from treatment by a relative/caretaker, education level, leaving school due to aggressive behaviours and cocaine use. Conclusion: Findings highlight the complex profiles of adolescents receiving substance use treatment in Brazil. Cross-system collaboration between mental health, educational and justice services are needed to treat adolescents’ substanceuse. (AU)

Drugs and alcohol Use patterns among those seeking care in urban rehabilitation centres before and during early months of COVID-19 in Uganda.

Introduction: There is a rise in alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse in the country but details of the practice are scanty. This paper provides characteristics of clients in the rehabilitation centres, their AOD related practices before and early months of COVID-19, and correlates of repeat treatment. Methods: The study was conducted in 10 rehabilitation centres in Kampala Metropolitan area. Characterization of AOD clients involved descriptive analysis while comparison of AOD related practices pre-and during COVID-19 lockdown was carried out using interrupted time series analysis. Modified Poisson regression model was used to analyse the repeat treatment. Results: The clients were mostly male (85%), single (57%) and had attained secondary education (84%). Nearly a third of them (29%) were unemployed while 68% were aged between 15-34 years. The commonest substances used were alcohol (52%), cannabis (19%), cocaine (13%) and opioids (8%). The commonest sources of substances were street dealers (52%) and friends (37%). COVID-19 did not change the pattern of AOD use except for Opioids. Repeat treatment was associated with being male, seeking care in private facilities, being casual labourer/self-employed. Conclusion: Intervention programs should target the educated, the unemployed, young men, their friends, street drug dealers and AOD hotspots.

Serviço infantojuvenil para usuários de drogas: clientela e atendimento / Child and youth service for drug users: clientele and service

O estudo intenta conhecer o perfil de crianças e adolescentes atendidos em serviço comunitário para usuários de drogas e analisar as características do atendimento oferecido. Estudo quantitativo, descritivo-exploratório, com análise descritiva dos dados de 115 prontuários de um CAPSi especializado em drogas. Foi utilizada frequência válida, devido aos dados não informados. A maioria era de homens (78,2%) com idade média de 14,7 anos (dp = 1,98). Mais da metade não frequentava a escola (54,2%) e 33,7% residia com a mãe. Em 81,9% dos prontuários algum familiar fazia uso abusivo de drogas, sendo 52,9% o pai. A maconha apresentou maior prevalência e início mais precoce. O serviço dispunha de atividades que buscavam abranger diferentes necessidades, entre elas, questões escolares e familiares da clientela, justificando a proposta de um serviço comunitário especializado no cuidado a crianças e adolescentes usuários de drogas. Entretanto, observou-se como maior desafio a continuidade do atendimento no serviço.

A lógica das redes, modos de atenção e práticas de cuidado em saúde com usuários de álcool e outras drogas / The logic of networks, modes of care and practices of care in health with users of alcohol and other drugs / La lógica de redes, modos de atención y prácticas de atención en salud con usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas

Sabe-se que foi a partir da Reforma Psiquiátrica e da constituição de políticas públicas sobre drogas que o uso de álcool e outras drogas passou a ser pensado como uma questão de saúde pública. Nesta perspectiva, o objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi o de mapear e compreender as práticas de cuidado desenvolvidas através das equipes que atuam nos serviços públicos voltados às pessoas que usam álcool e outras drogas na cidade de Santa Cruz do Sul. Para a construção dos dados da pesquisa foram utilizados os seguintes procedimentos: participação nas reuniões de equipe dos serviços; realização de uma roda de conversa com cada equipe; observação participante em grupos e atividades em cada um dos serviços. Os dados foram analisados a partir da análise temática de conteúdo, sendo construídas três categorias temáticas. A primeira categoria apresenta e discute as noções de rede que surgiram nos grupos. Na segunda categoria, identificam-se e (re)descobrem-se algumas práticas de cuidado no contexto dos serviços estudados. Por fim, a terceira categoria coloca em evidência e problematiza as perspectivas de trabalho das equipes. A pesquisa possibilitou o entendimento dos serviços que ofertam cuidados aos usuários de álcool e outras drogas em Santa Cruz do Sul, assim como desafios, articulações entre os serviços e quais perspectivas estão orientando este cuidado.(AU)

It is known that from the onset of the Psychiatric Reform and the constitution of public policies about drugs the use of alcohol and other drugs was thought as a public health issue. In this perspective, the main goal of this research was to map and understand the care practices developed by the staff workers of public health system that focus on people who are alcohol and drug users in the county of Santa Cruz do Sul. To gather data for the research the following procedures took place: participation in the staff meetings; conversation meetings with each staff team; participant observation in group activities at each one of the services. The data was analyzed using a content theme analysis, three theme categories were built. The first category shows and discusses the notion of network that came up in the groups. In the second category, it is identified and (re)discovered some care-taking practices within the context of the services being studied. At last, the third category highlights and problematizes the perspectives of the work of the teams. The research allowed for the understanding of the services that offer care to alcohol and drug users of Santa Cruz do Sul, as well as the challenges, articulations between the services and which perspectives are under this care-taking practice.(AU)

És sabido que fue a partir de la Reforma Psiquiátrica y de la constituición de las políticas públicas sobre drogas que el uso del álcohol y otras drogas empezó a ser piensado como una questión de salud pública. Con esa perspectiva, el objetivo general de esta investigación ha sido de mapear y comprender las prácticas de cuidado desarolladas a través de los equipos que trabajan en los servicios públicos para las personas que son usuários de álcohol y otras drogas en la ciudad de Santa Cruz do Sul. Para la construcción de los datos de la investigación ha sido utilizados los siguientes procedimientos: participación en las reuniónes del equipos de los servicios; realización de una rueda de charla con cada uno de los equipos; observación participante en los grupos y actividades en cada uno de los servícios. Los datos fueron analisados a partir de la análise temática de contenido, con tres categorias temáticas siendo constuidas. La primera categoria presenta y discute las nociones de red que surgiram en los grupos. En la segunda categoria, identificase y (re)descobrense algunas prácticas de cuidado en el contexto de los servícios investigados. Por fin, la tercera categoria pone en prueba y problematiza las perspectivas del trabajo de los equipos. La investigación hizo posible el entendimiento de los servícios que ofrecen cuidados a los usuários de álcohol y otras drogas en Santa Cruz do Sul, así como los desafíos, articulaciones entre los servícios y cuáles perspectivas están orientando este cuidado.(AU)

Availability of Trauma-Specific Services in US Substance Use Disorder and Other Mental Health Treatment Facilities: 2015-2019.

This study assessed trends in provision of trauma-specific services, defined as dedicated programming for persons with a history of trauma, in US Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and other Mental Health (MH) facilities. Facility level data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services and the National Mental Health Services Survey (2015-2019) were used to examine trends in provision of trauma specific-services. Trauma specific service provision trended up significantly between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, they were more commonly offered at MH facilities (49.9%) than SUD facilities (42.7%). Licensing by state SUD authorities were associated with provision of trauma-specific services at both MH (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.23, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-1.47, p < .001) and SUD (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04-1.37, p = .012) facilities. The proportions of facilities that offer trauma-specific services were correlated within states (Pearson's r = .44, p = .001). State policies to implement trauma screening at public facilities were associated with higher odds of offering trauma-specific services in MH (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04-1.64, p = .021) and SUD (AOR 1.51, 95% CI = 1.19-1.12, p = .001) facilities; whereas, state implementation of trauma-specific CBT at public facilities was associated with higher odds of this outcome only in MH facilities (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01-1.51, p = .043). Although trauma-specific services trended up significantly, fewer than half of treatment facilities offer such services nationally. Certain facility characteristics, such SUD authority certification, are associated with trauma-specific services. Variability among states in these services is linked to state policy. Increased efforts by states may be an effective point of intervention to further disseminate trauma-specific services.

Service Profiles in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Are Treatment Facilities Consistent In Service Mix and Service Offerings?

OBJECTIVE: Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities are the specialty treatment settings for individuals with SUDs and offer a variety of services for their treatment and long-term management. Despite the recommendations from evidence-based practice guidelines, individual facilities differ in terms of the number and type of services offered, resulting in gaps in service availability. The purpose of this study was to examine whether systematic differences exist among SUD treatment facilities based on the facility's service mix. METHOD: Publicly available data on SUD treatment facilities within the United States were obtained from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) for 2015-2018. Latent class analysis was used to identify the presence of different service profiles (i.e., classes of facilities) based on service mix and bivariate analysis to determine organizational characteristics associated with each profile. RESULTS: SUD treatment facilities systematically differ in service mix, and we identified three distinct service profiles--broad, high-prevalence; narrow, nonmedical; and broad, intermediate-prevalence. The distribution of facilities across the three profiles varied considerably, with a majority (90%) of facilities belonging to the broad, high-prevalence service profile, whereas 9.5% belonged to the narrow, nonmedical profile and the remainder (<1% of all facilities) to the broad, intermediate-prevalence service profile. CONCLUSIONS: The three service profiles and the distribution of facilities within each profile identified in this study highlight challenges and opportunities for practitioners and policymakers. The findings also suggest several avenues for future research in the area of policy, organizational strategy, and service delivery within SUD treatment.

Internationale normen voor de behandeling van stoornissen in het gebruik van drugs: herziene editie met opname van de resultaten van praktijktesten

De Internationale normen voor de behandeling van drugsgebruik stoornissen werden ontwikkeld door de Wereldgezondheidsorganisatie (WHO) en het Bureau voor Drugs en Criminaliteit van de Verenigde Naties (UNODC) om de lidstaten te ondersteunen bij het opzetten en uitbreiden van effectieve, empirisch onderbouwde en ethische behandeling van drugsgebruik stoornissen, met name in omgevingen met minder middelen. Ze bieden belangrijke principes voor de organisatie van behandelingsdiensten voor drugsgebruik stoornissen en beschrijven de belangrijkste componenten van behandelingssystemen, inclusief behandelingsinstellingen, modaliteiten en interventies. Daarnaast bevatten ze overwegingen voor groepen met speciale behandelings- en zorgbehoeften.

Comparison of Pain in Male Drug Rehabilitees with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Yunnan Province, China.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare pain symptoms in drug rehabilitees with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Yunnan Province, China. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. A total of 120 male substance users, including 65 with HIV, were enrolled after admission to the Fifth Drug Rehabilitation Center in Yunnan Province. Individuals who were >18 years of age and who had illicit drugs detected in their urine, despite not having used drugs for at least 2 months, were included. The patients evaluated their average pain intensity for the previous 4 weeks using a visual analog scale. PainDETECT questionnaire scores were used to classify pain into nociceptive and mixed component subgroups. Sleep quality was also evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale. RESULTS The prevalence and intensity of the pain symptoms were higher for the drug rehabilitees with HIV than for those without HIV. Moreover, the rehabilitees with HIV were more likely to experience neuropathic and nociceptive pain, whereas those without HIV reported only nociceptive pain. The sleep quality of the rehabilitees with HIV was also lower, regardless of the pain symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that the drug rehabilitees with HIV in Yunnan Province, China, experienced more frequent and stronger pain (both nociceptive and neuropathic) than those without HIV. They also experienced poorer sleep quality, although it was unrelated to pain. Our results provide data to support clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Nível de atividade física entre usuários de substâncias psicoativas / Nivel de actividad física de los consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas / Level of physical activity among users of psychoactive substances

Objetivo: Este estudo verificou o nível de atividade física entre usuários de substâncias psicoativas. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Outras Drogas do município de Recife (Brasil). Participaram 160 indivíduos com idade 44.09±12.46 anos. Os participantes foram entrevistados por meio do questionário Global physical active questionnaire. Foi aplicado o teste Qui-quadrado de independência para verificar associação entre nível de atividade física e tipo de substância psicoativa utilizada, nível de instrução, raça/cor, sexo e tipo de moradia sendo aceito um p<0.05 como significativo. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que 51.9% dos usuários de substâncias psicoativas são fisicamente inativos. Houve associação nos domínios raça/cor da pele (p=0.039) e nível de instrução (p=0.002) com relação ao nível de atividade física. Conclusão: A partir destes dados será possível estabelecer os grupos que necessitam de maior apoio para promover estímulo à prática de exercício físico.(AU)

Objetivo: En este estudio se comprobó el nivel de actividad física de los consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en los Centros de Alcohol y Otras Drogas Psicoactivas de Recife (Brasil). Participaron 160 personas de 44.09±12.46 años. Se entrevistó a los participantes mediante el cuestionario del Global physical active questionnaire. La prueba de chi-cuadrado de independencia se aplicó para verificar la asociación entre el nivel de actividad física y el tipo de sustancia psicoactiva utilizada, el nivel de educación, la raza/color, el sexo y el tipo de vivienda siendo aceptado um valor de p<0.05 como significativo. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el 51.9% de los consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas son físicamente inactivos. Hubo una asociación en los dominios raza/color de piel (p=0.039) y nivel de instrucción (p=0.002) con respecto al nivel de actividad física. Conclusión: A partir de estos datos será posible establecer los grupos que necesitan más apoyo para promover la práctica del ejercicio físico.(AU)

Objective: This study checked the level of physical activity among users of psychoactive substances. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Psychoactive Centers of Recife (Brazil). A total of 160 individuals aged 44.09±12.46 years participated. The participants were interviewed through the Global physical active questionnaire. The chi-square test of independence was applied to verify association between level of physical activity and type of psychoactive substance used, level of education, race/colour, sex and type of dwelling being accepted a p<0.05 as significant. Results: The results showed that 51.9% of psychoactive substance users are physically inactive. There was an association in the domains race/skin colour (p=0.039) and level of instruction (p=0.002) regarding the level of physical activity. Conclusion: From these data it will be possible to establish the groups that need more support to promote the practice of physical exercise.(AU)

Positive and negative religiousness and search for meaning: Impact on treatment of substance abuse after 6 months.

BACKGROUND: Religiousness and meaning in life are protective factors against addiction. Understanding this relationship may help to improve treatment. The aim of the current study was to assess the associations of positive and negative religiousness and search for meaning with treatment outcome, for patients with substance disorder (SUD). METHOD: The sample consisted of 115 participants attending a Christian drug addiction treatment center in the Netherlands. The study had a longitudinal design in which associations of positive/negative religiousness and search for meaning at baseline (T0) with treatment outcome after six months (T1) were assessed by means of regression analyses. Treatment outcome was measured by clinical dysfunction and the degree of addiction. Instruments used were the ROM (Routine Outcome Monitoring) Meaning and Religious Faith, the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) and the Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluations (MATE-1). RESULTS: A high degree of positive religiousness at T0 was associated with less addiction at T1 (p < .01). A high degree of negative religiousness at T0 was related to more clinical dysfunction at T1 (p = <0.05). A higher search for meaning at T0 predicted a higher level of addiction at T1 (p = <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Positive religiousness is associated with less, whereas search for meaning is associated with more addiction after six months. Negative religiousness is not associated with addiction, but with clinical dysfunction. Health professionals are recommended to assess these factors at the start of treatment and to consider possibilities to integrate them into treatment.

Are Impaired Nurses Getting the Help They Need?

Alternative-to-discipline programs can facilitate a safe return to practice.

Characteristics of Mental Health and Substance Use Service Facilities for Older Adults: Findings from U.S. National Surveys.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of U.S. mental health and substance use service programs dedicated/tailored for older adults (age 65+). METHODS: Data came from the 2012 and 2019 National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS) and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS). Using Pearson χ2 and Fisher's exact tests, we compared the numbers/proportions of older-adult programs in 2012 and 2019 and examined differences between facilities with or without an older-adult program in 2019. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2019, the percent of all mental health and substance use service facilities for adults that had a dedicated/tailored program for older adults increased significantly, from 20.7% to 28.9% for mental health facilities and from 7.1% to 24.8% for substance use facilities, with 101 mental health facilities and 53 substance use facilities serving older adults exclusively in 2019. Compared to facilities without an older-adult program, higher percentages of facilities with such a program offered treatment for co-occurring mental and substance use disorders and supplemental health and social care services. CONCLUSIONS: Given the rapidly aging society, more accessible and affordable programs dedicated/tailored for older adults are needed. To achieve this goal and better meet older adults' needs, more detailed data on facility characteristics are needed to build the knowledge base on improving the treatment environment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Programs for older adults should be designed to meet the complex needs of those with mental health and/or substance use problems and incorporate innovative service delivery models that can improve older adults' access.

Gender differences in patient outcomes following drug abuse treatment in Afghanistan: Results from a new evaluation.

Drug use rates among adults in Afghanistan are over twice as high as the global average which complicates an already challenging situation in the country. Although progress has been made toward improving availability of treatment and the rights and status of women, cultural norms and historical precedents have delayed advances, including in drug treatment. Female Afghan patients access treatment via home-based systems without the option of group in-patient treatment centers available to male patients. Using data from a new evaluation of Afghanistan's drug treatment system we report on updated differences in treatment outcomes for male and female patients in drug treatment centers in Afghanistan. A probability sample was used, selecting 32 centers to evaluate, and including baseline and follow-up data from 865 individuals who were officially admitted to drug treatment. Data collection included: (a) baseline and follow-up interviews; (b) baseline and follow-up urine drug tests; and (c) intake and treatment participation records. Random intercept generalized linear models were used to analyze change by regressing outcomes on a contrast representing time and a correction for selectivity biases. Male and female patients had similar, overall pre-treatment characteristics including low levels of education, though education levels were lower for women. At follow-up, there were significant differences between male and female patients' self-reports of substance use and related consequences, including criminal behavior. These findings represent mixed results; while some progress has been made in offsetting gender disparities in Afghanistan, remaining significant gender differences in posttreatment results suggest more positive outcomes for female than for male patients.