OBTAINING FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEWS FOR TREATMENT EVALUATION

Studies of the outcomes of substance abuse treatment are often handica pped because of subjects lost to follow-up. While follow-up data may b e obtained from several sources, the follow-up interview often serves as the principal source of data. Difficulties are regularly encountere d in locating and interviewing subjects not in treatment. From review of the literature on follow-up methodology and our own experience, we identified 10 procedures for effective follow-up. Application of these procedures is illustrated in a follow-up study of illicit opioid user s treated in a methadone maintenance program. Follow-up interviews wer e obtained with 98% of the subjects. We recommend use of the 10 proced ures by follow-up researchers, and we also recommend review of several previous publications on follow-up methodology.