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In addition to the clinical function of the group, we provide training in addiction diagnosis and management to students and professionals from a variety of disciplines.

Trainees include psychiatry residents, graduate students from psychology and social work, and students from an alcohol and drug counseling training program. Trainees co-lead the groups and receive regular supervision to increase their skill level. 

Additionally, IGS is a training site for first-year medical students and also has had other trainees sit in on single groups upon request (physician assistant students and family and preventive medicine residents).

Interim Group Services provides an excellent opportunity to help primary care clinicians appreciate the issues and complexities of substance abuse and addiction.

Research

During 2006, approximately 1500 individuals participated in Interim Group Services. Data from a graduate student’s thesis found that 70 percent of 120 individuals who participated in IGS at least once and who identified methamphetamine as their primary drug of choice followed through with their first episode of treatment. 

This is a remarkable finding considering the average wait for treatment was 42 days, half of the individuals were homeless, and half were court referred. The analysis also revealed that the only variable that predicted follow through with the first episode of treatment was participation in IGS. 

Finally, the study found that there was 100 percent follow through with the first episode of treatment for those who participated in any number of groups between five and 24. 

Publications include:

Burrow-Sanchez, J. J. & Lundberg, K. J. (2006). Readiness to change in adults seeking publicly funded substance abuse treatment. Addictive Behaviors, 32, 199–204.

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