TREATMENT FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG-AD DICTS

The phase of treatment evaluation affirming the general effect of addi ction treatment seems to be terminated. The present task of evaluation is the problem, which treatment variables are effective under which c onditions. Effects of treatment variables were summarized for motivati on treatments and for short interventions. As to treatment length the conclusion from different reviews is that longterm treatment is slight ly more successful than shortterm treatment. But moderator variables a re most important for allocating patients to different treatment lengt hs. The effects of other treatment variables were described as empiric ally based indicators for improving outcome. The treatment of drug add icts is characterized by the following points: 1. Treatment outcome in drug addicts is less successful than in alcohol addicts. 2. Applicati on of medicaments is more important in the outpatient treatment of dru g addicts. 3. The principles of therapeutic communities are important influence factors for the inpatient treatment of drug addicts. 4. Low level treatment and help for basic needs are more important in treatin g drug addicts than alcohol addicts. Empirical results about the influ ence of therapist variables about self help groups and about treatment indication were discussed for both groups of addiction.