title: Treatment outcomes: first time versus treatment-experienced clients.
abstract: A sample of treatment seeking clients was assessed at intake and 6, 12, 24 and 30 months later. Treatment-naive and treatment-experienced clients were compared in terms of baseline characteristics, 6-month outcomes, and predictors of these outcomes. Long-term outcomes of clients achieving an initially successful outcome were compared for the two groups. Results revealed significant short-term improvement for both groups, although treatment-experienced clients reported more serious drug use. The most consistent significant predictors of substance use outcomes were baseline severity of substance use and self-help participation. Outcome predictors unique to each group were also identified. Long-term outcomes for clients with an initial successful outcome tended to be better for treatment-experienced than treatment-naive clients. Both groups tended to have poorer outcomes as the follow-up duration increased. The results suggest that common and unique predictors of outcomes be considered in treating these two groups of clients. Additionally, treatment-naive clients may be at increased risk for poor outcomes even when initial success is achieved.
authors.affiliation: DeltaMetrics Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. jcacciola@deltametrics.com
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Cacciola
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dugosh
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foltz
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leahy
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013695:Temperance; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs