Participation of significant others in outpatient behavioral treatment predicts greater cocaine abstinence

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1994;20(1):47-56. doi: 10.3109/00952999409084056.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify predictors of cocaine abstinence during outpatient behavioral treatment for cocaine dependence. Subjects were 52 cocaine-dependent adults. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify predictors of abstinence during a 12-week treatment program. Demographic, drug use, and other subject characteristics were examined. The single best predictor of cocaine abstinence was whether a significant other participated in treatment. The odds of achieving a criterion level of cocaine abstinence were approximately 20 times greater for subjects who had a significant other participate in treatment. Importantly, significant others participated in a structured form of relationship counseling and behavioral contracting that is well specified and can be readily tested in a prospective, randomized trial. Considering the pressing need for the development of effective treatments for cocaine dependence, such a trial merits consideration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Alcoholism / rehabilitation
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Cocaine*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / psychology
  • Marijuana Abuse / rehabilitation
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Compliance / psychology*
  • Social Support*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Cocaine