INCREASING PARTICIPATION IN SUBSTANCE-ABUSE AFTERCARE TREATMENT

Increasing the length of participation in alcohol and drug treatment i s associated with improved outcomes (1). The present study was designe d to increase substance abuse aftercare participation following comple tion of inpatient treatment. We compared the effect of a 20-minute aft ercare orientation session to a minimal treatment condition on afterca re group therapy participation. The orientation session was conducted by an aftercare group therapist, who met with the participant to encou rage him to attend aftercare, to explain why aftercare is helpful, and to have him sign an aftercare participation contract. Participants in the minimal treatment condition watched a videotape on motivation to reach goals. Participants were 40 males in an inpatient substance abus e treatment program at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Ninet y percent were alcohol dependent; 35% were cocaine dependent; 10% were marijuana dependent; and 10% were polysubstance dependent. Participan ts who received the aftercare orientation were more likely to attend a ftercare (70%) than those who received the minimal treatment (40%). Ad ditionally, the former group attended more sessions ((x) over bar = 3. 0) than those who were not oriented to aftercare ((x) over bar = 1.4). The utility and limitations of a brief orientation session on afterca re adherence are discussed.