Enduring effects of a computer-assisted training program for cognitive behavioral therapy: a 6-month follow-up of CBT4CBT.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the durability of effects of a computer-assisted version of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as treatment for substance dependence through a 6-month follow-up.


METHODS
Following a randomized clinical trial in which 73 individuals seeking outpatient treatment for substance dependence in an outpatient community setting were randomized to either standard treatment-as-usual (TAU) or TAU with 8 weeks of biweekly access to computer-based training for CBT (CBT4CBT), participants were interviewed 1, 3, and 6 months after the termination of study treatments.


RESULTS
Sixty of the 73 participants were reached for follow-up (82%); follow-up rates and availability of data were comparable across treatment conditions. Random regression analyses of use across time indicated significant differences between groups, such that those assigned to TAU increased their drug use across time while those assigned to CBT4CBT tended to improve slightly. The durability of the CBT4CBT effect remained even after controlling for treatment retention, treatment substance use outcomes, and exposure to other treatment during the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Computerized CBT4CBT appears to have both short-term and enduring effects on drug use.
Carroll
Kathleen M
KM
Yale University School of Medicine, Division of Substance Abuse, 950 Campbell Avenue, 151D West Haven, CT 06516, USA. Kathleen.carroll@yale.edu
Ball
Samuel A
SA
Martino
Steve
S
Nich
Charla
C
Babuscio
Theresa A
TA
Rounsaville
Bruce J
BJ
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome