A 12-year follow-up of a treated cocaine-dependent sample

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2006 Apr;30(3):219-26. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2005.12.007.

Abstract

The study examined long-term outcomes (mortality, substance use, mental health, employment, criminal involvement) among a cocaine-dependent sample. This 12-year follow-up study, conducted in 2002-2003, updates information obtained at intake and two face-to-face interviews conducted in 1990-1991 and 1991-1992 among 321 male cocaine-dependent veterans admitted to drug treatment in 1988-1989. At the 2002-2003 follow-up, 28 had died and 266 were interviewed. A mixed model examining the longitudinal relationships demonstrated that treatment was associated with lower levels of cocaine use over the 12-year follow-up period after entry into the index treatment and more stable recovery (i.e., continuously abstinent from cocaine for at least 5 years). Few measures at intake predicted stable recovery at follow-up: only being White (vs. being African American) and having greater confidence in ability to avoid cocaine use in high-risk situations. Individuals achieving stable recovery reported less psychiatric symptoms, criminal involvement, and unemployment during the year prior to the interview. Adverse outcomes were apparent for a significant number of cocaine-dependent users who continued to use cocaine for a long period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cause of Death
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / mortality
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / urine
  • Crime
  • Databases, Factual
  • Employment
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Regression Analysis
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance Abuse Detection
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Veterans