Engaging and retaining women in outpatient alcohol and other drug treatment: the effect of referral intensity

Health Soc Work. 1997 Feb;22(1):38-46. doi: 10.1093/hsw/22.1.38.

Abstract

Women with alcohol or other drug (AOD) problems experience a range of barriers to inpatient treatment. Although research in the general population shows that high-intensity referrals are more effective than low-intensity referrals at engaging and retaining individuals in outpatient AOD treatment, the impact of referral intensity has not been assessed for women only. To examine this issue, a secondary analysis was conducted using an existing data set that included a sample of 109 women. Although intensity of referral was not related to entry into or relapse during treatment, high-intensity referral was associated with completion of treatment. In addition, women who relapsed during treatment were less likely to complete it, underscoring the need for relapse prevention training.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / rehabilitation*
  • Ambulatory Care*
  • Family Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotropic Drugs*
  • Recurrence
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • Social Support
  • Social Work, Psychiatric
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Psychotropic Drugs