The study found that at the end of aftercare, the likelihood of relapse increased significantly compared with gains achieved immediately after treatment completion; however, relapse outcomes were significantly better for youths who received active aftercare (AA) compared with youth who received no aftercare (NA). Girls showed no significant relapse under AA, but relapsed significantly under the NA condition. Youths who received AA also had significantly fewer drinking days and fewer heavy drinking days per month compared to youth under the NA condition. The AA conditions involved either an in-person or brief telephone contact during a 3-month period after completing treatment. This was followed by four manual-guided integration motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. The same therapists provided treatment and aftercare. A total of 177 adolescents, 13 to 18 years old, who were diagnosed with DSM-IV AUD, participated in 9 weekly outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy group sessions. The 144 treatment completers were randomized into a 5-session, in-person, brief telephone, or NA condition. Three alcohol-use variables were the main outcome measures for the 130 youth who completed aftercare. 3 tables and 44 references