One-year follow-up after multimodal inpatient treatment for cocaine and methamphetamine dependencies

Of a randomly selected sample of 214 patients treated with aversion therapy for cocaine dependence in four chemical dependency units operated by Schick Shadel Hospitals, 156 were followed up 12 to 20 months posttreatment (average 15.2 months). Significant other validation was obtained in 33%. Total abstinence from cocaine for the group overall was 53% at one year post treatment, and current abstinence of at least 6 months at follow-up was 68.6%. Those treating with aversion for cocaine alone had a one-year abstinence of 39% and a current abstinence of 62.4%. Those treating with aversion for alcohol and cocaine had a one-year total abstinence from cocaine of 69% and a current abstinence of 76%. Those treating with aversion for cocaine and marijuana had a one-year total abstinence from cocaine of 50% and a current abstinence of 65%. Those treating with aversion for alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana had a one-year total abstinence from cocaine of 73% and a current abstinence of 73%. One-year total abstinence from alcohol was 54% for those receiving aversion for both alcohol and cocaine and 77% for those receiving aversion for alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. Current abstinence from alcohol at follow-up was 68% and 81%, respectively. One-year total abstinence from marijuana was 42% for those treating with aversion for cocaine and marijuana and 64% for those treating with aversion for alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. Current abstinence at follow-up from marijuana was 61% and 81%, respectively. The use of aversion therapy for both alcohol and cocaine in alcoholics who were also using cocaine was associated with higher total abstinence rates (88% vs. 55%) from cocaine when compared with alcoholics who used cocaine but received no aversion as part of their program. The conclusion is tentative since the follow-up rate in this study was lower than that of the previous study (64% vs. 84%). Being around other users accounted for 49% of relapse situations. Family/Work stress was associated with relapse in 33% of cases and unpleasant feelings in 24% of cases. The use of both reinforcement treatments and the use of support following treatment were associated with improved abstinence rates from cocaine. Those patients who reported losing all urges for cocaine after treatment had a total abstinence from cocaine of 90%, those who reported losing all the uncontrollable urges had a total abstinence of 64%, and those who reported still having the urge reported only 33% total abstinence from cocaine.