Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Relapse Prevention Group

Rick Csiernik
School of Social Work, King's College
University of Western Ontario
266 Epworth Avenue
London Ontario N6A 2M3
Canada
519-433-3491
FAX: 905-383-7890
csiernik@mcmaster.ca
Purpose:  To assess the effectiveness of conducting relapse prevention for substance dependency using a time limited, cognitve-behavioural, closed, small group format.  This format has become a preferred delivery mechanism in out patient settings yet outcome studies have showed mixed effectivness.
 
Method: A multiple time series design was used to follow four distinct groups of clients over the course of intervention from pre-treatment to six months post-treatment. The Coping Behaviours Inventory (CBI) was used to assess the effectiveness of the group counselling process. A total of 19 of 23 (82.7%) clients who began counselling completed all eight sessions though only ten, five male and five female returned the instrument six months post-group.
 
Results: Significant changes were found between pre-test scores and scores after completion of the eight weeks of group counselling.  Improvement continued two and six months post group with clients increasing the number and frequency of coping responses over time.  An unexpected outcome was that while there was a gradual increase among males in using the new strategies there was a significant increase among female clients over time(independent samples test F=4.88, df=4, p<.058).
 
Implications for practice:  This community-based study adds to the literature that supports using small group, cognitive behavioural approaches in working with substance abusers to prevent relapse.  It also adds to the literature that supports using different counselling strategies with men and women in this practice area.