Predicting in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes in methamphetamine users.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the utility of individual drug use and treatment characteristics for predicting in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes over a 1-year period.


METHODS
Data were collected from 420 adults who participated in the Methamphetamine Treatment Project (MTP), a multi-site study of randomly assigned treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Interviews were conducted at baseline, during treatment and during three follow-up time-points: treatment discharge and at 6 and 12 months following admission.


METHODS
The Addiction Severity Index (ASI); the Craving, Frequency, Intensity and Duration Estimate (CFIDE); and laboratory urinalysis results were used in the current study.


RESULTS
Analyses addressed both in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes. The most consistent finding is that pre-treatment methamphetamine use predicts in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes. No one variable predicted all in-treatment performance measures; however, gender, route of administration and pre-treatment methamphetamine use were significant predictors. Similarly, post-treatment outcomes were predicted by a range of variables, although pre-treatment methamphetamine use was significantly associated with each post-treatment outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide useful empirical information about treatment outcomes for methamphetamine abusers, and highlight the utility of assessing individual and in-treatment characteristics in the development of appropriate treatment plans.
Hillhouse
Maureen P
MP
University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Neuropsychiatric Institute, CA, USA. hillous@ucla.edu
Marinelli-Casey
Patricia
P
Gonzales
Rachel
R
Ang
Alfonso
A
Rawson
Richard A
RA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003376:Counseling; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012008:Recurrence; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine