Skills training for drug abusers: generalization, maintenance, and effects on drug use

This study reports on the follow-up data for the treatment of drug abuse (Hawkins, Catalano, & Wells, 1986). In the original study, 130 clients in the reentry phase of residential drug treatment programs were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 60) or to a 10-week supplemental behavioral skills training course (n = 70). Eight-two percent of the sample was male, and 75% was White. Subjects' ages ranged from 15 to 55 years, though the majority (71%) were in their twenties. A role-play test assessing skill levels was administered as a pretest, following the 10-week skill training course, and again at 6 and 12 months as follow-ups. Although skills decayed slightly over time, the skill levels of experimental subjects were higher than the control group 12 months after training. Generalization of skills to role-play situations for which no training had been received was also found. However, with the exceptions of marijuana and amphetamine use, skill training did not affect drug use after treatment.