Evaluating Alternative Treatments for Homeless Substance-Abusing Men:

Abstract

The present study was designed to explore the relative efficacy of three types of service delivery intervention models for homeless men with alcohol and/or drug problems: integrated comprehensive residential services provided at one site (Group 1); on-site shelter-based intensive case management with referrals to a community network of services (Group 2); and usual care shelter services with case management (Group 3). In addition to assessing the relative efficacy of these approaches in terms of drug and alcohol use, residential stability, economic and employment status, the project also sought to examine what personal factors best predicted successful outcomes for clients. Clients were assessed at baseline and approximately six months following discharge. All three treatment groups improved significantly over time in terms of reduced alcohol and cocaine use, increased employment, and increased stable housing, but no differential improvement was found among groups. Successful outcomes were predicted by lower recent and lifetime substance use, fewer prior treatment episodes, more stable housing at baseline, fewer incarcerations, and less social isolation.

Associations of Housing Status With Substance Abuse Treatment and Service Use Outcomes Among Veterans

“…Providing direct housing assistance seems to help. Other potential treatment modalities include case management and integrated models of care (15,16). Other potential treatment modalities include case management and integrated models of care (15,16).…”

The Role of Intentional Communities to Support Recovery from Mental Illness

“…Limited options for treatment and a mistrust of the system can hamper recovery efforts (Littrell & Beck, 2001), as can cultural bias and culturalbound resistance to treatment (Landrine, 1992). Studies have shown that the more socially isolated a person is, the more likely he or she is to experience negative outcomes (Stahler, Shipley, Bartelt, DuCette , & Shandler, 1995). Structured social support functions not only to unite individuals in a common social network, but also to provide them with positive social influence.…”

Preventing Relapse Among Crack-Using Homeless Women with Children

“…Aftercare appears to be critical for the long-term continuation of gains obtained in treatment (Mutmne, 1991;Stahler, Shipley, Bartelt, & DuCette, 1995 and a monthly "alumnac" group. After completing one year of outpatient counseling, there is a graduation ceremony that involves a certificate; the presentation of flowers to the women from their counselors; and an opportunity for the Hutchinson Place staff, the woman's family, and friends to speak about the women's achievement.…”

“…Although there have been relatively few drug treatment programs designed especially to serve the special needs of the homeless (for some notable exceptions see Conrad et al, 1993;Stahler, 1995;Argeriou & McCarty, 1990), even fewer have been targeted to homeless women with children (Elder et al, 1994;Smith, North, & Fox, 1995;Robertson, 1991). Many of these women come from alcoholic or addictive families of origin; experienced early and continuing physical, emotional and sexual abuse; suffer from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV; experience depression; have endured racial discrimination; and tend to have little chance of obtaining long-term, safe, independent, and affordable housing.…”