Increasing participation in substance abuse aftercare treatment

Increasing the length of participation in alcohol and drug treatment is associated with improved outcomes (1). The present study was designed to increase substance abuse aftercare participation following completion of inpatient treatment. We compared the effect of a 20-minute aftercare orientation session to a minimal treatment condition on aftercare group therapy participation. The orientation session was conducted by an aftercare group therapist, who met with the participant to encourage him to attend aftercare, to explain why aftercare is helpful, and to have him sign an aftercare participation contract. Participants in the minimal treatment condition watched a videotape on motivation to reach goals. Participants were 40 males in an inpatient substance abuse treatment program at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Ninety percent were alcohol dependent; 35% were cocaine dependent; 10% were marijuana dependent; and 10% were polysubstance dependent. Participants who received the aftercare orientation were more likely to attend aftercare (70%) than those who received the minimal treatment (40%). Additionally, the former group attended more sessions (x = 3.0) than those who were not oriented to aftercare (x = 1.4). The utility and limitations of a brief orientation session on aftercare adherence are discussed.