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Status of Methamphetamine Users 2-5 Years After Outpatient Treatment

NCJ Number
194681
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 107-119
Author(s)
Richard A. Rawson Ph.D.; Alice Huber Ph.D.; Paul Brethen M.A.; Jeanne Obert MSM; Vikas Gulati B.A.; Steven Shoptaw Ph.D.; Walter Ling M.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study obtained data on the outcome status of a convenience sample of 114 methamphetamine (MA) users out of a total group of 500 MA users who were treated 2-5 years prior to a follow-up interview.
Abstract
The study was conducted because little was known about the natural history of MA dependence and even less is known about the status of MA users after treatment. All clinical charts of individuals treated for MA dependence at a clinic from 1991-1994 (n=437) constituted the source of the potential subject pool. The data-collection battery consisted of the following instruments: Matrix Admission Questionnaire; Problem Severity Index; Health Service Utilization Questionnaire; Brief Symptom Inventory; and Addiction Severity Index. The Matrix Treatment Model was used with this population. It structures information, cognitive behavioral treatment techniques, family involvement, 12-Step participation, and urine testing into a 4-month treatment experience. During the 4-month outpatient treatment experience, individuals attend the clinic three to four times per week and participate in a structured set of individual, group, and family sessions. The treatment context uses positive reinforcement, and the use of confrontational or psychodynamic techniques is avoided. The treatment approach aims to teach patients how to gain and sustain drug abstinence while reinforcing the teaching concepts throughout their progress in acquiring needed skills. The study found that MA use, along with other drug use, was substantially reduced in the follow-up sample compared with pretreatment levels; however, headaches and depression were reported at a similar rate at follow-up as had been reported at treatment admission. The report of elevated levels of depressive symptoms and headaches in spite of substantially reduced MA use warrants further investigation. 4 tables and 11 references