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Increasing alcoholic patients' aftercare attendance
1VA West Side Medical Center, University of Illinois Medical School, Chicago.
The International Journal of the Addictions
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Exposure to group therapy during inpatient alcohol rehab increased patient return for aftercare. However, counselor continuity did not significantly impact aftercare follow-through rates.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Health
Background:
- Relapse is a significant challenge in alcohol addiction recovery.
- Effective aftercare strategies are crucial for sustained sobriety.
- Previous research indicates varied success rates for different aftercare interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pre-discharge group therapy exposure on aftercare attendance.
- To examine the effect of counselor continuity on patient follow-through in aftercare programs.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with inpatient alcohol rehab patients (n=100 each).
- Study 1: Assessed the effect of weekly group therapy sessions in the aftercare clinic prior to discharge.
- Study 2: Explored the impact of having a counselor who continued to follow patients into aftercare.
Main Results:
- Inpatients with prior aftercare clinic exposure were more likely to attend aftercare.
- Counselor continuity, regardless of primary assignment (inpatient vs. aftercare), did not influence aftercare follow-through.
Conclusions:
- Early exposure to aftercare services, specifically group therapy, can enhance patient engagement.
- The identity or continuity of the counselor does not appear to be a critical factor for aftercare adherence in this population.