Recovery training and self help: a relapse-prevention program for treated opiate addicts

Area of Science:

• Psychosocial interventions
• Addiction treatment
• Public health

Background:

• Drug addiction, particularly opiate addiction, presents significant public health challenges.
• Existing aftercare modalities for opiate addiction require further development to improve relapse prevention and social reintegration.
• A social theory of addiction and health promotion principles offer a framework for novel treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate Recovery Training and Self Help (RTSH), a novel psychosocial treatment for drug addiction.
• To assess the efficacy of RTSH in reducing relapse rates among opiate addicts.
• To determine the impact of RTSH on employment outcomes for individuals in recovery.

Main Methods:

• RTSH is an outpatient group aftercare program combining weekly recovery training sessions, self-help groups, recreational activities, and peer support.
• The recovery training component follows a 26-week curriculum addressing relapse triggers.
• The program was implemented for opiate addicts in New England and Hong Kong.

Main Results:

• RTSH significantly reduced the probability of relapse to illicit opiate use.
• Subjects participating in RTSH demonstrated improved employment rates.
• The program provided motivation and support for sustained abstinence and social reintegration.

Conclusions:

• Recovery Training and Self Help (RTSH) is an effective psychosocial treatment for opiate addiction.
• RTSH demonstrates potential for wide applicability in addiction aftercare.
• The integrated approach of RTSH supports both relapse prevention and social reintegration.