Rs. Schottenfeld et al., Community reinforcement approach for combined opioid and cocaine dependence - Patterns of engagement in alternate activities, J SUBST ABU, 18(3), 2000, pp. 255-261
We compared outcomes for agonist-maintained patients with combined opioid a
nd cocaine dependence who were treated in an earlier clinical trial with gr
oup drug counseling (DC; n = 57) or in a current trial with the Community R
einforcement Approach (CRA; n = 60). The association between engagement in
nondrug-related activities and abstinence was also evaluated. There were no
significant differences between the treatments in retention or drug use. T
he total number of hours and average hours per week engaged in nondrug-rela
ted activities was significantly higher for CRA-treated patients who achiev
ed abstinence from opioids, cocaine, or both combined than for those who ne
ver achieved abstinence. Although CRA was not more effective overall than D
C, the finding that engagement in reinforcing community activities unrelate
d to drug use (e.g., planned pleasurable events or parenting activities) wa
s associated with abstinence suggests that the planning and reinforcement o
f specific nondrug-related social, vocational, and recreational activities
is a crucial component of CRA. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights re
served.