Randomized Comparison of Intensive Outpatient vs. Individual Therapy for Cocaine Abusers (From Intensive Outpatient Treatment for the Addictions, P 41-56, 1997, Edward Gottheil and Barry Stimmel, eds. -- See NCJ-169074)

• NCJ Number: 169078
• Author(s): S P Weinstein; E Gottheil; R C Sterling
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1 R18 DA 06166
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

A clinical trial compared intensive outpatient treatment (IOT) to more traditional individual (IND) or individual plus group (IND-GRP) treatment for cocaine abusers.

Abstract

Participants in the trial were recruited from individuals entering the Intensive Outpatient Cocaine Treatment Clinic in Philadelphia. Those asked to volunteer were first admissions, above 18 years of age, and dependent on cocaine. They were not overtly psychotic, actively suicidal, or cognitively impaired to the extent they could not understand informed consent and participate in the trial. Results indicated patients who remained in treatment and completed a 12-week course of care significantly improved with respect to drug use and psychological functioning. However, IOT, IND, and IND-GRP did not differ on any of the assessments made during treatment or at the completion of treatment. Results underscored the importance of remaining in a course of care in order to effect behavioral change. The authors recommend further clinical trials to systematically compare persons who may do best in each treatment modality to define variables important in matching a patient to a treatment in which he or she is most likely to remain. 26 references, 2 tables, and 1 figure