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

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. Key words engagement in treatment referrals retention in treatment substance abuse women
Women with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems experience a range of difficulties, including health problems, psychological problems, reproductive and sexual problems, and increased risk of abuse and sexually transmitted [...]