Substance abuse treatment outcomes among American Indians in the Telephone Aftercare Project.

Thirty American Indians who had successfully completed their residential substance abuse treatment program with Phoenix-based Native American Connections, Inc. agreed to participate in the Telephone Aftercare Program when they returned to their homes on the reservation. They were provided with graduated monthly aftercare contacts through the telephone for a nominal period of six months, during which time they were interviewed monthly regarding their substance use, and on other life domains at three and six months following discharge from their residential program. Using their baseline data as the comparison, results suggest that six months following residential treatment, clients showed decreased drinking and other drug use, had fewer encounters with the criminal justice system, and had improved familial and social interactions and relationships.