Cocaine treatment and outcome

This article describes the dimensions of the current cocaine problem in the United States, drug treatment models, and cocaine treatment effectiveness and outcome. Research on the effectiveness of specific drug treatments, including women-sensitive services, is analyzed. The recommended treatment approaches incorporate a variety of rehabilitative services (for example, housing, education, vocational training, medical services, and child care) and call for social workers to improve linkages with treatment programs and to facilitate referrals. The emerging evidence on treatment models and drug treatment effectiveness can guide social workers in better assisting their clientele by incorporating social services that encourage the development of new and rewarding lifestyles to compete with drug-using activities.