Increasing alcoholic patients' aftercare attendance

Of a sample of 100 patients on an inpatient alcohol rehab unit, 50 were assigned to a weekly group therapy session in the aftercare clinic. Those inpatients with aftercare clinic exposure prior to discharge were more likely to return for aftercare. In a second study of 100 inpatients the effect of having a counselor who would continue to follow them in aftercare was explored. Half the sample had a counselor whose primary assignment was in the aftercare clinic and thus could work with them on a continuing basis. The other half had a counselor whose primary assignment was on the inpatient unit and would not be able to continue with them. Counselor continuity had no impact on aftercare follow through.