EFFICACY OF OUTPATIENT INTENSIVE TREATMENT FOR DRUG-ABUSE

Objective: Outpatient intensive treatment for drug and alcohol abuse h as become an alternative approach to management of substance abuse. We evaluated the efficacy of an outpatient intensive treatment program f or crack cocaine; and the impact of psychiatric diagnosis on outcome v ariables. Method: Subjects participating in an outpatient intensive tr eatment program underwent descriptive testing at entry and at six-mont h followup. Outcome variables included Addiction Severity Index compos ite scores and retention in treatment. Results: Subjects demonstrated significant improvement in ASI scales, over time, with an interaction effect of time and scale. Minimal interaction of psychiatric diagnosis and outcome was found. Conclusion: Outpatient intensive treatment dem onstrated efficacy in reduction of ASI composite scores. Comparison wi th standard outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment is needed.