Although continuing care, or "aftercare," is thought to be important in the treatment of alcohol use disorders, it has received relatively little study, particularly in outpatient service delivery systems. This randomized study compared three continuing care treatments for cocaine and/or alcohol dependent patients who completed a 1-month intensive outpatient program. The treatments were: (a) standard 12-step based group counseling (STND); (b) individualized relapse prevention (RP); and (c) brief telephone case management (TEL). All conditions were 12 weeks in duration, with twice weekly sessions in STND and RP, and weekly contacts in TEL. Participants were 375 patients from either community or VA outpatient programs. Outcomes at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months post entry into aftercare were assessed with the time-line follow-back (TLFB), Addiction Severity Index (ASI), and urine toxicology screens. Collateral reports and blood samples were obtained at 12 and 24 months. Follow-up rates at each assessment were greater than 85%. Outcome data through the 12-month follow-up will be presented. Preliminary analyses at this point indicate that among the cocaine dependent patients, cocaine use outcomes were better in relapse prevention than in standard addictions counseling group aftercare or the brief telephone monitoring/case management control condition. Among the alcohol dependent patients, however, alcohol use outcomes in the first six months post treatment were best in the brief telephone condition, followed by RP and standard addictions counseling. Implications for the provision of continuing care will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: After this presentation, attendees will be able to discuss which continuing care treatments--standard 12-step group counseling, relapse prevention, or brief telephone case management--were found to have the greatest impact on alcohol use and cocaine use outcomes.
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Recovery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.