THE EFFECTS OF PLANNED DURATION OF RESIDENTIAL DRUG-ABUSE TREATMENT ON RECOVERY AND HIV RISK BEHAVIOR

Objective. This study assessed the effects of planned duration of resi dential drug abuse treatment-on recovery from drug use and on human im munodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors. Methods. Two concurrent-ran domized controlled trials of programs differing in planned duration we re conducted: 6-month vs 12-month versions of a traditional therapeuti c community program, and 3-month vs 6-month versions of a modified the rapeutic community incorporating a relapse prevention and health educa tion:program. Outcomes, measured at least 16.5 months after admission, included time from admission to first drug use; severity of drug, alc ohol, legal, and employment problems; and risky drug injection and sex ual behaviors. Results. Among 539 clients (86% of those enrolled), the re were no significant effects of planned duration: of treatment upon Addiction Severity Index scores or HIV risk behavior. In the relapse p revention program, clients randomized to the 6-month program had a lon ger time to first drug use than those in the 3-month program (hazard r atio = 0.74; 95% confidence interval = 0.58, 0.93). Employment problem s at follow-up were significantly less severe among clients treated in the therapeutic community than among those-in the relapse prevention program. Conclusions. No overall benefit of:extending treatment beyond 6 months was found.