Development and initial demonstration of a community-based intervention for homeless, cocaine-using, African-American Women.
Drug abstinence is difficult to achieve and maintain, especially when clients return to their pretreatment environment. Forging ties with the natural helping networks in the community, such as religious organizations, may reinforce abstinent behaviors established during treatment. This study evaluated Bridges to the Community, a supplemental component to an intensive residential treatment program. Bridges uses members of African-American churches as mentors for recovering women. This demonstration project included 118 female participants with primary cocaine dependence who received either standard treatment or Bridges plus standard treatment. Participants in both groups reduced substance use, risk-taking behaviors, depression, and increased self-esteem. Participants who received Bridges had greater treatment retention, reported 100% cocaine abstinence at follow-up, and were more satisfied with their treatment.
Stahler
Gerald J
GJ
Department of Geography and Urban Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. jstahler@temple.edu
Shipley
Thomas E
TE
Kirby
Kimberly C
KC
Godboldte
Catherine
C
Kerwin
Marylouise E
ME
Shandler
Irving
I
Simons
Lori
L
D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000523:psychology; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015143:Philadelphia; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D019233:Retreatment; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012931:Social Environment; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001741:Black or African American