An evaluation of outcomes from the relapse avoidance programme at Bristol drugs project (2003)

ENGLISH :
Background. The Relapse Avoidance Programme (RAP) at Bristol Drugs Project is a community-based cognitive-behavioural programme that forms part of the services offered by the project. This paper reports an audit of the outcomes of the programme over 4 years. Methods. Data from June 1996 to December 2000 were analysed for 119 clients engaged in the programme. Outcomes questionnaires were completed at initial assessment, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and overall scores computed for "remaining drug-free", "physical health", "mental health", "family relationships", "friendships", "housing", "education and training" and "use of spare time". Results. At least 28% of clients engaged in the programme were still free from their problematic drug after 1 year. Clients felt that they had made significant improvements to many aspects of their lives. Those who reported improvements in their use of spare time showed significant positive correlations with all other outcomes measured. Living with another drug user was significantly associated with an increased risk of relapse and was the only factor that could predict which clients are more likely to remain drug-free. Conclusions. Cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) relaps e-prevention programmes sit well within community-based day care settings where individuals have opportunity to practise, evaluate and master their own recovery strategies. Once motivated to change, these programmes can help to support and encourage changes that an individual is already in the process of making. (Review' s abstract)