Long-Term Recovery Options Increase Long Term Abstinence From Drugs

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 10 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Addicted women's abstinence from drugs and alcohol is directly proportional to the length of time they stay in a structured, long-term recovery program, according to new research. In a 2009 New Jersey CASA study, long-term recovery doubled rates of abstinence (47% vs. 24%) and full-time employment (22% vs. 9%) for women patients by their 24th month of treatment. (1)

An important phase of the study was implementing "aftercare, follow-up peer support and relapse monitoring" (2)

Based on the research, New Directions recommends that women addicts recieve at least one year of continued care. To help its patients meet this objective, New Directions has introduced two new programs: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Intensive Sober Living (ISL).

A 2000 CFAH study determined that behavior change interventions such as those that occur in treatment must be supported over the long-term and that "in the absence of effective maintenance, efforts taper off over time." (3)

In summary, New Directions IOP and ISL offer long-term treatment which will lead patients to higher abstinence rates and sustained behavior change.

About Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

A CARF accredited, 16-week evening program designed to treat addiction for women who work, attend school, or are unable to commit to inpatient treatment. Using the evidence-based Matrix Model, patients may enter the IOP at any stage of treatment and address key issues to sustained recovery such as social support, relapse prevention and family involvement.

About Intensive Sober Living

CAARR accredited, ISL provides a safe and supportive place for patients to live with continued treatment services of the IOP. ISL is designed for a smooth transition from inpatient treatment back into the community.

About New Directions For Women

For over 31 years, New Directions for Women has served the community as a nonprofit residential treatment facility in Costa Mesa assisting women, families and their children to achieve sustained, responsible recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. NDFW is located at 2607 Willo Ln. Costa Mesa.

(1) CASASARDSM: Intensive Case Management for Substance Dependent Women Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Dan Califano, January 2009. pg 7. 
http://www.jointogether.org/resources/pdf/casasard-white-paper.pdf.

(2) CASASARDSM: pg 4.

(3) CFAH: Health Behavior Change in Managed Care: "Selected Evidence for Behavioral Risk Reduction in Clinical Settings". 2000. pg 24. http://www.cfah.org/pdfs/health_topic_alcohol.pdf

I, Mrs Jess Block, the author, have the right to grant a non-exclusive license on a worldwide basis to Medical News Today.

CFAH

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