Effectiveness of a Specialized Women's Intervention in a Residential Treatment Program

Abstract

“Time Out! For Me,” a specialized psychoeducational treatment found to be effective with women in an outpatient methadone clinic, was tested for generalizability to a residential drug user treatment program. The 6-session module was first given to an experimental group (n = 11) and compared to a control group (n = 10). The treatment was associated with increases in knowledge of human sexuality, assertiveness and communication skills, more positive attitudes toward being assertive and practicing safer sex, and increased self-esteem. Thus, “Time Out” appears to be an effective treatment enhancement for women in residential treatment.

Key Words:

• Drug user treatment
• Therapeutic community
• Self-esteem
• Women