Network theory perceives mental disorders as a network of interconnected symptoms influencing each other instead of latent variables of a diagnosis. A similar approach is taken in inpatient...Show moreNetwork theory perceives mental disorders as a network of interconnected symptoms influencing each other instead of latent variables of a diagnosis. A similar approach is taken in inpatient treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) by treating the psychological factors and curating the contextual factors related to substance use. Since previous studies have found contextual, psychosocial, and mental health factors to influence SUD recovery and outcome, it is important to understand these inter-factor relations promoting successful and durable change. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate what role these factors play in a network of individuals in inpatient treatment for SUD. The difference between pre- and post-treatment was investigated and a distinction was made in networks of patients with and without personality disorder (PD) comorbidity at post-treatment. Data from 307 patients recruited from Norwegian treatment facilities was used. Contextual, psychosocial, and mental health factors were examined by estimating four regularized partial correlation networks (Pre-Treatment, Post Treatment, PD, Control) and their respective accuracy and stability bootstraps. Whereas, to test the differences between these networks the NetworkComparisonTest was performed. Results of all networks indicate strong connections between depression and anxiety, and between emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Furthermore, the Post-Treatment and PD networks show connections between contextual factors and substance use thereby illustrating the importance of a curated environment. Further investigation of contextual, psychosocial, and mental health factors through employment of a network intervention analysis in longitudinal research is important to purposefully target mechanisms of change in treatment for SUD recovery.Show less
