Randomized controlled trial of brief cognitive-behavioural interventions among regular users of amphetamine

TitleRandomized controlled trial of brief cognitive-behavioural interventions among regular users of amphetamine
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsBaker, A, Boggs, TG, Lewin, TJ
JournalAddiction
Volume96
Pagination1279-1287
Date PublishedSep
Publication Languageeng
ISBN Number0965-2140 (Print)0965-2140 (Linking)
Accession Number11672492
KeywordsAdult, Amphetamine-Related Disorders/*rehabilitation, Analysis of Variance, Cognitive Therapy/*methods, Female, Humans, Male, New South Wales, Patient Participation, Psychotherapy, Brief/*methods, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

AIMS: To identify whether brief cognitive-behavioural interventions are feasible among regular users of amphetamine, to assess the effectiveness of intervention overall and to pilot two- and four-session interventions. DESIGN: Subjects were assigned randomly to individually receive a cognitive-behavioural intervention (n = 32) of either two or four sessions' duration or a self-help booklet (control condition; n = 32). SETTING: Subjects were volunteers recruited from needle exchange schemes and treatment centres in Newcastle, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Regular (at least monthly) users of amphetamine were recruited. INTERVENTION: Either four sessions of cognitive-behaviour therapy, consisting of a motivational interview and skills training in avoidance of high-risk situations, coping with craving and relapse prevention, or two sessions consisting of a motivational interview and discussion of skills. MEASUREMENTS: The Opiate Treatment Index was the main measure at pre-treatment and 6-month follow-up. FINDINGS: There was a significant reduction in amphetamine use among the sample as a whole, with inconclusive differences between intervention subgroups. There was a moderate overall intervention effect, with the intervention group reporting over twice the reduction in daily amphetamine use as the control group. Significantly more people in the cognitive-behavioural intervention condition abstained from amphetamine at 6-month follow-up compared to the control condition. CONCLUSION: Brief cognitive-behavioural interventions appear feasible among regular users of amphetamine. A larger randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of such interventions appears warranted.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=11672492
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