NCJ Number
129452
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Information from a random sample of individuals discharged from publicly funded drug abuse treatment programs in Colorado between July 1986 and June 1988 formed the basis of an analysis of the effectiveness of these programs.
Abstract
The sample was divided into two groups based on the fiscal year of discharge. They completed followup interviews between 7 and 22 months after discharge. Outcome measures included any use of alcohol or other drugs, any readmission to treatment, and any arrests. Results showed that 39 percent of the primary alcohol users were responsive to treatment and abstinent, and 34 percent reported nonproblematic use. Forty-five percent of the drug clients had been abstinent since discharge, and 27 percent reported nonproblematic use. Twenty-seven percent of both the primary alcohol users and the primary users of other drugs were considered nonresponsive to treatment to date. Results confirmed Senay's 1984 assertion that repeated episodes of treatment are probably necessary for those with serious drug abuse problems, indicating the nature of the problem and the culture rather than treatment failure. Tables, 8 references, and appended discussion on the scale used to rate a drug problem's severity