Skills training for drug abusers: generalization, maintenance, and effects on drug use.

This study reports on the follow-up data for the treatment of drug abuse (Hawkins, Catalano, & Wells, 1986). In the original study, 130 clients in the reentry phase of residential drug treatment programs were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 60) or to a 10-week supplemental behavioral skills training course (n = 70). Eight-two percent of the sample was male, and 75% was White. Subjects' ages ranged from 15 to 55 years, though the majority (71%) were in their twenties. A role-play test assessing skill levels was administered as a pretest, following the 10-week skill training course, and again at 6 and 12 months as follow-ups. Although skills decayed slightly over time, the skill levels of experimental subjects were higher than the control group 12 months after training. Generalization of skills to role-play situations for which no training had been received was also found. However, with the exceptions of marijuana and amphetamine use, skill training did not affect drug use after treatment.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes