A brief telephone intervention targeting treatment engagement from a substance abuse program wait list.

This study compares three brief participant-initiated telephone interventions aimed at enhancing treatment engagement of individuals on a substance abuse treatment wait list. Policies requiring that wait list members call at least every other week in order to remain eligible for treatment remained in place for the standard and enhanced conditions but not for the voluntary condition. The standard condition was a minimal intervention, providing information on the program. The enhanced condition focused on client motivation for treatment and recovery. If individuals in the voluntary condition called, they were provided information about current wait list number and approximate remaining wait time. The rate of treatment engagement was the same among treatment conditions. The best predictor of engagement was the number of calls placed to the program while waiting. Treatment condition was a positive predictor of call frequency; presence of a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis was a negative predictor. The article also discusses future directions.