ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN AFTERCARE GROUP-THERAPY AMONG SUBSTANCE-DEPENDENT MEN

Increasing the length of participation in alcohol and drug treatment i s associated with improved outcome. The present studies were designed to increase the number of individuals who participate in outpatient af tercare group therapy following completion of inpatient treatment. In Study 1, 22 participants who were assigned to attend a session of afte rcare group during inpatient treatment were not more likely to partici pate in outpatient aftercare than those 19 who received a placebo trea tment during inpatient treatment. In Study 2, 13 clients assigned a mo re intensive treatment, receiving aftercare orientation and signing a treatment contract, were compared with a group of 13 given placebo tre atment; however, again there was no significant difference in outpatie nt participation in aftercare.