Predicting in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes in methamphetamine users

Abstract

Aims: This study examines the utility of individual drug use and treatment characteristics for predicting in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes over a 1-year period.

Design, setting and participants: Data were collected from 420 adults who participated in the Methamphetamine Treatment Project (MTP), a multi-site study of randomly assigned treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Interviews were conducted at baseline, during treatment and during three follow-up time-points: treatment discharge and at 6 and 12 months following admission.

Measurements: The Addiction Severity Index (ASI); the Craving, Frequency, Intensity and Duration Estimate (CFIDE); and laboratory urinalysis results were used in the current study.

Findings: Analyses addressed both in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes. The most consistent finding is that pre-treatment methamphetamine use predicts in-treatment performance and post-treatment outcomes. No one variable predicted all in-treatment performance measures; however, gender, route of administration and pre-treatment methamphetamine use were significant predictors. Similarly, post-treatment outcomes were predicted by a range of variables, although pre-treatment methamphetamine use was significantly associated with each post-treatment outcome.

Conclusions: These findings provide useful empirical information about treatment outcomes for methamphetamine abusers, and highlight the utility of assessing individual and in-treatment characteristics in the development of appropriate treatment plans.