Jeanne L. Obert

Site Matters: Multisite Randomized Trial of Motivational Enhancement Therapy in Community Drug Abuse Clinics

The effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) in comparison with counseling as usual (CAU) for increasing retention and reducing substance use was evaluated in a multisite randomized clinical trial. Participants were 461 outpatients treated by 31 therapists within 1 of 5 outpatient substance abuse programs. There were no retention differences between the 2 brief intervention conditions. Although both 3-session interventions resulted in reductions in substance use during the 4-week therapy phase, MET resulted in sustained reductions during the subsequent 12 weeks whereas CAU was associated with significant increases in substance use over this follow-up period. This finding was complicated by program site main effects and higher level interactions. MET resulted in more sustained substance use reductions than CAU among primary alcohol users, but no difference was found for primary drug users. An independent evaluation of session audiotapes indicated that MET and CAU were highly and comparably discriminable across sites.

An intensive outpatient approach for cocaine abuse treatment: The matrix model

The Matrix model of outpatient treatment was developed during the 1980s in response to an overwhelming demand for cocaine abuse treatment services. The model was constructed using components based upon empirically supported findings from the substance abuse research field. Over the course of development, data were collected on the treatment model and the model was modified based upon empirical evaluation. A pilot study comparing the Matrix outpatient model with an inpatient hospital treatment program produced preliminary support for the clinical utility of the model. An open trial comparing publicly and privately funded patients demonstrated that patients with fewer resources were more difficult to engage and retain in this model of outpatient treatment. In a controlled trial, a clear positive relationship was documented between duration and amount of treatment involvement in the Matrix model and positive outcome at 1 year. Due to a variety of methodological issues, the study was not able to answer definitively the question of clinical efficacy. In all of these studies, patients treated with the Matrix model demonstrated statistically significant reductions in drug and alcohol use and improvements in psychological indicators. This body of work, along with the public acceptance the model has received in the treatment community, support the usefulness of this intensive outpatient approach for cocaine abuse. Further research is underway to provide additional controlled information on the value of this treatment approach.

Research reportAn intensive outpatient approach for cocaine abuse treatment: The matrix model

The Matrix model of outpatient treatment was developed during the 1980s in response to an overwhelming demand for cocaine abuse treatment services. The model was constructed using components based upon empirically supported findings from the substance abuse research field. Over the course of development, data were collected on the treatment model and the model was modified based upon empirical evaluation. A pilot study comparing the Matrix outpatient model with an inpatient hospital treatment program produced preliminary support for the clinical utility of the model. An open trial comparing publicly and privately funded patients demonstrated that patients with fewer resources were more difficult to engage and retain in this model of outpatient treatment. In a controlled trial, a clear positive relationship was documented between duration and amount of treatment involvement in the Matrix model and positive outcome at 1 year. Due to a variety of methodological issues, the study was not able to answer definitively the question of clinical efficacy. In all of these studies, patients treated with the Matrix model demonstrated statistically significant reductions in drug and alcohol use and improvements in psychological indicators. This body of work, along with the public acceptance the model has received in the treatment community, support the usefulness of this intensive outpatient approach for cocaine abuse. Further research is underway to provide additional controlled information on the value of this treatment approach.

Methamphetamine and cocaine users: differences in characteristics and treatment retention.

Abstract The use of methamphetamine and cocaine have both produced significant public health problems during the past two decades. Although these powerful psychostimulants have many common acute and chronic effects, there are some important differences in who uses these drugs and the consequences of their use. This article reports on two large cohorts of treatment-seeking cocaine and methamphetamine users who entered treatment at the same facility over the same four-year period of time. Patterns of use differed significantly. Cocaine users have more episodic use patterns, spend more money on purchasing their drugs, and use alcohol more heavily. Methamphetamine users include a higher proportion of women, more frequently use on a daily basis, use marijuana more often, and experience more severe medical and psychiatric consequences. Despite the differences in the stimulant drug effects and consequences. the treatment response to a multicomponent, outpatient program is very similar.

The Matrix Model of Outpatient Stimulant Abuse Treatment: History and Description

Abstract The Matrix model was originally developed in response to the cocaine epidemic of the 1980s. The program consists of relapse prevention groups, education groups, social support groups, individual counseling, and urine and breath testing delivered in a structured manner over a 16-week period. The treatment is a directive, nonconfrontational approach which focuses on current issues and behavior change. Several evaluations of the model have supported its usefulness and efficacy with methamphetamine (MA) users. Methamphetamine users appear to respond to treatment similarly to cocaine users and many continue to show improvements at follow-up.

Status of Methamphetamine Users 2–5 Years After Outpatient Treatment

Abstract Increasing numbers of methamphetamine users sought treatment during the decade of the 1990s. Little is known about the post treatment status of methamphetamine users who enter treatment. The data presented in this paper describe the outcome status of a group of a convenience sample of 114 methamphetamine users from a total group of 500 methamphetamine users who were treated 2–5 years prior to a follow up interview. Since the sample was not randomly selected, no specific treatment outcome attribution is possible. Methamphetamine use and other drug use of the follow up sample was substantially reduced from pretreatment levels. In general, the follow up status of the sample was much improved as compared to before treatment. However, headaches and depression were reported at a similar rate at follow up as had been reported at treatment admission.

MET meets the real world: design issues and clinical strategies in the Clinical Trials Network

The Clinical Trials Network (CTN) represents a major initiative intended to bridge the gap between research and practice in substance abuse treatment by implementing a range of studies evaluating behavioral, pharmacologic, and combined treatments in community-based drug abuse treatment programs across the country. This article describes the development of CTN protocols evaluating the effectiveness of Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Design, training, and implementation challenges associated with conducting a clinical trial of brief behavioral treatments in community programs are discussed. Issues requiring attention included the diversity in treatments offered across sites, heterogeneity in the study sample, and training of clinicians drawn from the staff of community programs to deliver the study treatments.

Methamphetamine Abuse: Issues for Special Populations

Abstract Methamphetamine (MA) abuse has been a problem in the western United States for decades. However, recently the incidence of MA abuse has risen to epidemic levels in some regions and among particular subgroups of the population. Recognizing the need to develop effective treatments for MA dependence, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) established a multisite Methamphetamine Treatment Program (MTP) that compares the Matrix Model treatment program for MA to the treatments as usual at seven community-based clinics in California, Montana and Hawaii. Examination of the clients receiving services though this project provides an opportunity to explore particular issues of diverse special populations who are impacted by the problem of MA dependence. These groups include rural Americans, Native Americans, Hawaiians, gay and bisexual males and drug court participants. Specifically. this article examines cultural, geographic and situational barriers to accessing and completing treatment and presents strategies that have been used to overcome these barriers.

Cocaine abuse treatment: A review of current strategies

The treatment of cocaine abusers is a newly emerging discipline. Many of the strategies that are being developed for this purpose have been adapted from the drug and alcoholism treatment systems. These include use of established programs that are only minimally modified for cocaine abusers, such as the 28-day inpatient hospital, therapeutic community, and 12-step programs. Other approaches have created specific techniques to meet particular clinical needs of cocaine abusers, such as behavioral, pharmacologic, and nontraditional interventions. Finally, several attempts have been made to create integrated outpatient approaches that address the multiple needs of the cocaine abusers. Many of the clinical researchers conducting research on these modalities feel optimistic about the value of treatment for cocaine abusers. Many of the methods appear to have considerable promise. However, only recently have well-controlled research efforts begun to provide the information necessary for empirically based decision-making. During the next several years, outcome studies should provide an excellent set of data to guide treatment efforts. This paper reviews the treatment efforts that have been conducted, overviews the research data available, and describes some of the outcome research in progress.

Neurobehavioral treatment for cocaine dependency.

Relapse prevention techniques have recently been incorporated into some nonpharmacologic models of chemical dependency treatment. The neurobehavioral model of cocaine dependency treatment establishes a clear timetable for recovery from cocaine dependency and focuses on four distinct areas of functioning. Strategies for addressing these areas of functioning include the use of relapse prevention methods and individual therapy procedures, family systems materials, 12-Step involvement, and urine testing. The model constructs a comprehensive framework for facilitating involvement in recovery activities that promote positive behavior change. The relapse prevention group component of the model is described, the use of a systematic relapse analysis procedure is presented, and an outline of plans for evaluating the model is discussed. The development of a comprehensive outpatient treatment model for treating cocaine dependency provides a standardized structure within which other treatment interventions (e.g., medication, acupuncture) could be evaluated.