NCJ Number
196557
Journal
American Journal on Addictions Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2002 Pages: 24-40
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined factors in retention in treatment for the National Institute on Drug Abuse Collaborative Cocaine Treatment Study (CCTS), a multi-site trial of 4 psychosocial treatments of 487 cocaine dependent patients.
Abstract
Assessments were completed at intake; at the end of orientation; monthly during the active phase of treatment; and at 9, 12, 15, and 18 months after randomization. The assessment battery addressed multiple domains, including drug use, psychiatric symptoms, and other areas of functioning. Data were obtained on demographic variables, drug severity, psychiatric severity, and reasons for dropout. The treatment involved group drug counseling, strong encouragement to participate in 12-step programs, and a supportive group atmosphere for discussing the initiation of abstinence and establishing an alternative lifestyle. Treatment consisted of a 6-month active phase and a 3-month booster phase. The study found that younger, African-American, and unemployed patients were retained in treatment for fewer days than their counterparts. African-American patients who lived with a partner were retained in treatment for less time than if they lived alone. Higher psychiatric severity kept men in treatment longer, but put women at risk for dropping out sooner. Patients who completed the full treatment used drugs less often than patients who dropped out, but outcome did not differ at each month. Patients in the drug counseling condition stayed in treatment for fewer days than patients in psychotherapy, but they were more likely to be abstinent after dropout. Patients with higher psychiatric severity were more at risk for continuing to use drugs after dropout. 3 tables and 43 references