Participation of Significant Others in Outpatient Behavioral Treatment Predicts Greater Cocaine Abstinence

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify predictors of cocaine abstinence during outpatient behavioral treatment for cocaine dependence. Subjects were 52 cocaine-dependent adults. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify predictors of abstinence during a 12-week treatment program. Demographic, drug use, and other subject characteristics were examined. The single best predictor of cocaine abstinence was whether a significant other participated in treatment. The odds of achieving a criterion level of cocaine abstinence were approximately 20 times greater for subjects who had a significant other participate in treatment. Importantly, significant others participated in a structured form of relationship counseling and behavioral contracting that is well specified and can be readily tested in a prospective, randomized trial. Considering the pressing need for the development of effective treatments for cocaine dependence, such a trial merits consideration.

Key Words:

• Cocaine dependence
• Behavioral treatment
• Behavior therapy
• Social support
• Significant other
• Behavioral contracts
• Community Reinforcement Approach
• Drug abuse