NCJ Number
232031
Journal
Substance Abuse Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: July - September 2010 Pages: 146-161
Date Published
July 2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the results of a meta-analysis of studies exaining the effectiveness of the modified therapeutic community treatment model for persons with co-occurring substance abuse disorders.
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a meta-analysis for a single investigator examining the effectiveness of the modified therapeutic community (MTC) for clients with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD). The flexibility and utility of meta-analytic tools are described, although their application in this context is atypical. The analysis includes 4 comparisons from 3 studies (retrieved N = 569) for various groups of clients with COD (homeless persons, offenders, and outpatients) in substance abuse treatment, comparing clients assigned either to an MTC or a control condition of standard services. An additional study is included in a series of sensitivity tests. The overall findings increase the research base of support for the MTC program for clients with COD, as results of the meta-analysis indicate significant MTC treatment effects for five of the six outcome domains across the four comparisons. Limitations of the approach are discussed. Independent replications, clinical trials, multiple outcome domains, and additional meta-analyses should be emphasized in future research. Given the need for research-based approaches, program and policy planners should consider the MTC when designing programs for co-occurring disorders. Tables, figure, notes, and references (Published Abstract)