TREATMENT FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG-ADDICTS

The phase of treatment evaluation affirming the general effect of addiction treatment seems to be terminated. The present task of evaluation is the problem, which treatment variables are effective under which conditions. Effects of treatment variables were summarized for motivation treatments and for short interventions. As to treatment length the conclusion from different reviews is that longterm treatment is slightly more successful than shortterm treatment. But moderator variables are most important for allocating patients to different treatment lengths. The effects of other treatment variables were described as empirically based indicators for improving outcome. The treatment of drug addicts is characterized by the following points: 1. Treatment outcome in drug addicts is less successful than in alcohol addicts. 2. Application of medicaments is more important in the outpatient treatment of drug addicts. 3. The principles of therapeutic communities are important influence factors for the inpatient treatment of drug addicts. 4. Low level treatment and help for basic needs are more important in treating drug addicts than alcohol addicts. Empirical results about the influence of therapist variables about self help groups and about treatment indication were discussed for both groups of addiction.