This study is examining the relative effects of alternative aftercare models for ex-offenders who are recovering from substance abuse/addiction. The study is a longitudinal, randomized field trial that assigns participants to one of three conditions: Oxford House, a professionally-run residential treatment facility, or a control condition that involves usual aftercare chosen by participants (which may include no treatment at all). Oxford Houses are self-run residential recovery homes based on the premise of mutual support. These homes do not involve professional treatment staff and the expenses (e.g. rent, utilities) are paid for by the residents. The hypothesis of this study is that Oxford House participants will have as good or better outcomes in terms of substance recovery, recidivism, and health in comparison to the participants who were assigned to the residential treatment facility, and better outcomes in comparison to the control group. In addition, the cost to government/tax payers will be substantially lower given that participants pay their own way.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
270
community-based recovery home for participants recovering from substance dependency
professionally-staffed treatment facility
control group - participants may or may not seek treatment on their own
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Relapse/recovery - drug test and self report of alcohol use
An assessment of each participant's drug/alcohol use as determined by a urine test and report of alcohol use
Time frame: last data collection point (wave 5, 2 years after recruitment)
recidivism
whether or not the participant has been re-incarcerated, as indicated by Illinois Department of Corrections data base
Time frame: last data collection point (wave 5, 2 years after recruitment)
health
participant health, such as hospitalization and other indicators as measured by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) - Light. also measures substance use, employment, legal system involvement, family and social life, psychiatric status.
Time frame: last data collection point (wave 5, 2 years after recruitment)
Drug Taking Confidence Questionnaire (DTCQ)
confidence to avoid using drugs and alcohol in various situations;
Time frame: every 6 months for 2 years
Risk Behavior Survey
recent substance use and sexual behaviors
Time frame: every 6 months for 2 years
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