Technology transfer of network therapy to community-based addictions counselors

This paper describes a technology transfer initiative in which Network Ther apy (NT), a substance abuse treatment that utilizes peer and family support , was disseminated to a cohort of addictions counselors located in an outpa tient community-based addictions treatment center. Training methods include d a didactic seminar; role-playing, use of videotaped illustrations, and cl inical supervision, and are described in detail. Counselors then implemente d the NT approach with a sample of cocaine-abusing patients (N = 10) who we re being treated concurrently with the standard program provided by the tre atment setting. NT patients were compared by chart review with a cohort of cocaine abusers who received community treatment-as-usual (TAU) (N = 20). T he groups did not differ on demographic variables or the amount of TAU rece ived at the community program. However, NT patients had significantly less positive urinalyses than TAU patients, though they were not significantly d ifferent iii terms of treatment retention. Implications for technology tran sfer are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.