Client Engagement in Drug Treatment

Effectiveness of Dual Focus Mutual Aid for Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: A Review and Synthesis of the “Double Trouble” in Recovery Evaluation

“…Many mutual aid groups follow some version of the 12-step model of recovery originally developed by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1939/2001/1952. Growing evidence indicates that 12-step groups are useful in maintaining abstinence from "substances of abuse" (e.g., Devine et al, 1997;Humphreys et al, 1994;Timko et al, 2000;Timko et al, 2006;Thurstin et al, 1987;Tonigan et al, 2002;;Humphreys and Moos, 2007;Kaskutas et al, 2005;Kelly et al, 2006;McCrady & Miller, 1993), especially for those who attend regularly or become affiliated (e.g., Fiorentine et al, 1999;Kingree, 1995;McKay et al, 1994;Montgomery et al, 1991;Watson et al, 1997). For example, Moos et al, (1999) found that increased attendance in 12-step groups was associated with a higher proportion of abstinence from drugs and alcohol, less severe distress and psychiatric symptoms, and a higher likelihood of being employed at one-year follow-up.…”

“…Weiss et al, (2005) reported that active participation (e.g, speaking at meetings, taking a leadership role), but not attendance alone, was associated with reductions in drug use among cocaine dependent patients. Mutual aid participation is proposed to be an important complement to treatment, increasing the likelihood that gains made during treatment are reinforced and sustained after services end (Etheridge et al 1999;Fiorentine et al, 1999;Fiorentine & Hillhouse, 2000b;Magura, 2007).…”

Reintegrating women leaving jail into urban communities: a description of a model program

“…66,67 While few case management programs have been subject to rigorous evaluation, Health Link was designed based on outcome data from some programs that indicated success. 49,68 Like other intervention programs for women in jails, the emphasis of Health Link is on rigorous needs assessment and counseling sessions, 69 a client-centered approach, 70 empathetic counselors from similar communities and circumstances, 71 the ability to address prior trauma, 72 and the ability to link with established programs that offer genderspecific approaches to service delivery. 20 The services are provided by staff with extensive personal or professional experiences with incarceration and intimate knowledge of the realities of life in Harlem and the South Bronx.…”

Civil legal needs of individuals in drug treatment

“…There is some evidence to suggest that overall success of drug treatment programs is related, in part, to offering clients a comprehensive array of ancillary services (Brindis, Clayson, & Berkowitz, 1997). Additionally, engagement in treatment is likely to be elevated if ancillary services are provided (Fiorentine, Nakashima, & Anglin, 1999). The scope of ancillary services typically includes medical and mental health services, family counseling services, health care referrals, transportation arrangements, parenting and life-skills training, and employment and financial advising (Fiorentine et al, 1999;Asche & Harrison, 2002).…”

“…Additionally, engagement in treatment is likely to be elevated if ancillary services are provided (Fiorentine, Nakashima, & Anglin, 1999). The scope of ancillary services typically includes medical and mental health services, family counseling services, health care referrals, transportation arrangements, parenting and life-skills training, and employment and financial advising (Fiorentine et al, 1999;Asche & Harrison, 2002). The inclusion of legal services has not been prominent among the spectrum of ancillary services made available through referrals by drug treatment centers.…”