A comparative study of family therapy in the treatment of opiate users in a London Drug clinic.

TY - JOUR

T1 - A comparative study of family therapy in the treatment of opiate users in a London Drug clinic.

AU - Yandoli, D

AU - Eisler, I

AU - Robbins, C

AU - Mulleady, G

AU - Dare, C

PY - 2002/11

Y1 - 2002/11

N2 - This study presents the results of a randomized treatment trial of family therapy and two control treatments for 119 outpatient opiate users. All treatments were combined with a methadone reduction programme. The control treatments were: (1) a 'standard' treatment (supportive psychotherapy) and (2) a 'low contact' intervention. Treatment outcome was evaluated six and twelve months after the initial assessment. Both the family therapy and minimal intervention groups had a significantly higher number of drug-free days at six and twelve months, compared to the standard treatment, despite receiving fewer treatment sessions. Across all treatments there was evidence for a gender difference in response to therapy in users who were in a couple relationship. In couples where both partners were using drugs women did significantly better than men. Men living with a non-drug-abusing partner fared better than men living with a drug-using partner. Across the treatment groups diminution in drug use was accompanied by improvements in psychosocial functioning. Unemployment, sharing needles and injecting drugs were predictive of poor outcome.

AB - This study presents the results of a randomized treatment trial of family therapy and two control treatments for 119 outpatient opiate users. All treatments were combined with a methadone reduction programme. The control treatments were: (1) a 'standard' treatment (supportive psychotherapy) and (2) a 'low contact' intervention. Treatment outcome was evaluated six and twelve months after the initial assessment. Both the family therapy and minimal intervention groups had a significantly higher number of drug-free days at six and twelve months, compared to the standard treatment, despite receiving fewer treatment sessions. Across all treatments there was evidence for a gender difference in response to therapy in users who were in a couple relationship. In couples where both partners were using drugs women did significantly better than men. Men living with a non-drug-abusing partner fared better than men living with a drug-using partner. Across the treatment groups diminution in drug use was accompanied by improvements in psychosocial functioning. Unemployment, sharing needles and injecting drugs were predictive of poor outcome.

U2 - 10.1111/1467-6427.00227

DO - 10.1111/1467-6427.00227

M3 - Article

VL - 24

SP - 402

EP - 422

JO - Journal of Family Therapy

JF - Journal of Family Therapy

IS - 4

ER -