NCJ Number
253646
Journal
Addiction Volume: 102 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 81-93
Date Published
2006
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study compared assertive continuing care (ACC) to usual continuing care (UCC) on linkage, retention, and a measure of continuing care adherence.
Abstract
Outcome analyses tested the direct and indirect effects of both conditions and level of adherence on early (months 1-3) and longer-term (months 4-9) abstinence. A two-group randomized design was used that involved 11 counties surrounding a community-based residential treatment program in the Midwestern section of the United States. A total of 183 adolescents, ages 12-17 years, with one or more Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV (DSM-IV) substance use dependence disorder and met American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) placement criteria for non-medical residential treatment. Prior to discharge from residential treatment, participants were assigned randomly to receive either UCC, available at outpatient clinics in the 11-county study area, or ACC via home visits. Self-reported interview data were collected at intake and at 3, 6, and 9 months post-residential discharge. Urine test data and interviews with a caregiver were conducted at baseline and 3 months. The evaluation found that ACC led to significantly greater continuing care linkage and retention and longer-term abstinence from marijuana. ACC resulted in significantly better adherence to continuing care criteria which, in turn, predicted superior early abstinence. Superior early abstinence outcomes for both conditions predicted longer-term abstinence. The evaluation concluded that ACC appears to be an effective alternative to UCC for linking, retaining and increasing adherence to continuing care. Replication with larger samples is needed to investigate further the direct and indirect effects of ACC found in this study. (publisher abstract modified)