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Improving Substance Abuse Treatment Access and Retention Using a Case Management Approach

NCJ Number
182714
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: 1997 Pages: 329-340
Author(s)
Cheryl L. Mejta; Peter J. Bokos; Judith Mickenberg; Michael E. Maslar; Edward Senay
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of a case management model in improving treatment access, retention, and outcomes for a cohort of 360 intravenous drug users (IDUs) pursuing substance abuse treatment through a central intake facility.
Abstract
The 316 clients who participated in the study were chronic, intravenous opiate abusers seeking treatment through Interventions' Central Intake facility in Chicago. Clients who consented to participate in the study were randomly assigned to either the comparison group or the case-managed group. Clients in the comparison group followed the standard referral procedures for Central Intake. Clients in the case-managed group were assigned a case manager at the point of initial contact. The case manager performed an initial assessment to identify the client's current substance abuse pattern, problems and consequences experienced by the client as a result of substance abuse, and barriers or impediments to entering treatment. Using the assessment information, the case manager worked with the client to identify treatment needs, to locate an appropriate treatment provider, and to facilitate admission into the treatment program. The case manager remained engaged with the client throughout the treatment referral and admission process. Clients in both conditions were interviewed monthly for 3 years to determine their substance abuse treatment status. Clients in the case-managed group accessed substance abuse treatment in significantly greater numbers and more rapidly than clients in the comparison group. Case-managed clients also remained in substance abuse treatment nearly twice as long as did comparison group clients. Further, case-managed clients showed better treatment outcomes, including reduced alcohol and drug use. 3 figures, 3 tables, and 23 references