Relapse outcomes in a randomized trial of residential and day drug abuse treatment

Relapse outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 18-month intervals were compared between c lients randomly assigned to day (n = 114) versus residential (n = 147) drug abuse treatment. Day clients were more likely than residential clients to relapse 6 months post-admission (OR = 3.06, P < 0.001); however, no setting differences at 12 or 18 months were found. Few baseline predictors were pr ospectively related to relapse at 12 and 18 months. These predictors were u sual employment status (part-time OR = 17.47, P < 0.001; full-time OR = 2.5 4, P < 0.001), history of drug injecting (OR = 5.39, P < 0.01), multiple se x partners (OR = 1.16, P < 0.01), and not having a gay sexual partner (OR = 0.05, P < 0.03) during 6 months prior to admission. Still, these baseline predictors, together with the existing literature, could be used by drug tr eatment professionals to identify individuals who may be at high risk for r elapse over time, and to offer specialized treatment and aftercare resource s as intervention and prevention measures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. A ll rights reserved.