Comparison of individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol and/or drug-dependent patients.
OBJECTIVE
A randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the influence of two formats of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (individual vs. group) in the treatment of alcohol and/or drug dependent patients.


METHODS
Public outpatient drug dependence service.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-five alcohol and/or drug-dependent patients.


METHODS
The patients were randomly assigned to individual (n = 77) or group (n = 78) treatment formats. The treatment was developed into two phases: acquisition (eight sessions) and maintenance (nine sessions), distributed over an 8-month period.


METHODS
Alcohol and drug use, severity of dependence, and alcohol- and drug-related problems were evaluated at pre-treatment and 15 months after admission to treatment.


RESULTS
At follow-up evaluation both groups of patients presented similar levels of drug consumption, dependence and associated problems. Although group-treated patients reported slightly higher levels of alcohol consumption (both at baseline and follow-up) differences between the formats disappear if baseline levels are included as covariates. Compliance with treatment and a measure of drug severity were predictors of success for the drug dependents. The number of sessions attended and high GGT levels at admission were positively correlated with success for the alcohol dependents.


CONCLUSIONS
The two modalities presented similar outcomes and, as the group format could present a better cost-benefit ratio, it may be used without decreasing compliance with treatment or treatment effectiveness.
Marques
A C
AC
Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil.
Formigoni
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome