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Increasing engagement of aftercare may help to improve recovery rates.

For those who suffer from an addiction, accessing professional treatment is usually necessary in order to receive the support required to overcome their dependence, and maintain abstinence in the future. With a wide range of treatment services being available, varying from short outpatient care to an intensive rehab programme, there has been debate for some time as to which is the most effective form of treatment.  Past research has shown that for both inpatient and outpatient treatment, the follow up care can prove vital for maintained abstinence. Low uptake of aftercare can lead to relapse as the individual lacks the support required to maintain their recovery. Strategies aimed at increasing engagement of aftercare may help to improve recovery rates.

A recent study by Brown and Schwartz et al. (2011) highlighted the importance of engagement in follow up care. They found that early intervention during detox can lead to increased participation in aftercare, which can help individuals maintain their abstinence. The study also showed that individuals were more likely to engage with counselling sessions within the drug rehab programme if they had early induction and intervention from a counsellor. Similarly Katz et al. (2007) found that more comprehensive role induction led to higher engagement with further treatment, and also led to better outcomes with regard to levels of substance use at a 12 month follow up period.

Zwenen and Li (1981) ascribed the benefits of early intervention and role induction to the fact that it allows service users to understand the treatment programme and avoid unrealistic expectations of what the drug rehab programme can provide. Role induction also provides service users with some skills and preparation in order to adjust to the treatment programme. 

The benefits of early intervention and induction mean that further development and use of this treatment method is needed, and this intervention may be recommended as a standard part of every treatment plan.

References

Zweben, A. & Li ,S.(1981). The efficacy of role induction in preventing early dropout from outpatient treatment of drug dependency. AmericanJournalofDrugandAlcoholAbuse. 8(2), p.171-83

Katz, E.C., Brown, B.S., Schwartz, R.P., King, S.D., Weintraub, E. & Barksdale, W. (2007). Impact of Role Induction on Long-Term Drug Treatment Outcomes. Journal of Addictive Diseases , 26, (2), p. 81-90

Katz E.C., Brown B.S., Schwartz R.P. et al. (2011). Transitioning opioid-dependent patients from detoxification to long-term treatment: efficacy of intensive role induction. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 117, p. 24–30.

Published by on 25/01/2012.

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