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Published on: November 11, 2013
Behavior therapy for drug abuse: a controlled treatment outcome study
N H Azrin1, P T McMahon, B Donohue
1Nova Southeastern University, Center for Psychological Studies, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314.
Abstract:
82 Ss were studied in a comparative evaluation of a behavioral vs supportive treatment for illegal drug use. Behavioral treatment included stimulus control, urge, control, contracting/family support and competing response procedures for an average of 19 sessions. 37% of Ss in the behavioral condition were drug-free at 2 months, 54% at 6 months, and 65% at 12 months vs 20 +/- 6% for the alternative treatment during all 12 months. The behavioral treatment was more effective across sex, age, educational level, marital status and type of drug (hard-drugs, cocaine, and marijuana). Greater improvement for this condition was also noted on measures of employment/school attendance, family relationships, depression, institutionalization and alcohol use.
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