Paraprofessional versus professional drug counselors: the progress of clients in treatment.
The progress in treatment of 302 methadone maintenance and drug-free outpatient clients was examined as a function of the background of their 82 counselors. Counselors were either ex-addict paraprofessionals (EXAs), non-ex-addict paraprofessionals (NEAs), or degreed professional counselors (PROs). Client progress was assessed in five areas: drug use, criminality, educational activities, employment, and life quality. In the first four areas, status at treatment entry contrasted with that at two subsequent measurement points: the first interview and a 4-month follow-up. In no area of evaluation were outcomes substantially more favorable for clients of one counselor group over another. It was concluded that the three counselor groups were equally effective.
D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education*; D003415:Crime; D004493:Education; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012934:Social Isolation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*