A randomized controlled trial of recovery training and self-help for opioid addicts in New England and Hong Kong.
The efficacy of a group relapse prevention program, Recovery Training and Self-help (RTSH), was investigated experimentally with opioid addicts in New England and Hong Kong. The experimental program featured weekly attendance at a professionally led recovery-training session, a peer-led self-help style meeting and a weekend recreational activity. Researchers randomly assigned newly recovering opioid addicts (N = 168) to experimental and control conditions, and followed them to assess their outcomes; 98% provided follow-up data. The intervention significantly reduced the probability and extent of relapse and helped unemployed subjects find work. RTSH also significantly reduced self-reported criminality. These findings suggest that relapse prevention programs can be effective in helping opioid addicts achieve long-term recovery.
Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Hospital, Massachusetts.
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McAuliffe
D003415:Crime; D004651:Employment; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D009511:New England; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010045:Outpatients; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic