Initiating abstinence in cocaine abusing dually diagnosed homeless persons

This study measured effectiveness of behavioral day treatment plus abstinen ce contingent housing and work therapy (DT +) versus behavioral day treatme nt alone (DT). A randomized controlled trial assessed participants at basel ine, 2 and 6 months. Participants (N = 110) met criteria for cocaine abuse or dependence, non-psychotic mental disorders, and homelessness. DT + achie ved greater abstinence at 2 and 6 months and more days housed at 6 months t han DT. Effectiveness of DT + was demonstrated, with greatest impacts on ab stinence outcomes. Results replicated earlier work demonstrating effectiven ess of behavioral day treatment and contingency management as an effective combination for cocaine abusing homeless persons. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.