Abstract
Enhanced schedules of counseling can improve response to routine opioid-agonist treatment, although it is associated with increased time demands that enhance patient resistance and nonadherence. Internet-based counseling can reduce these concerns by allowing patients to participate from home. This study assesses treatment satisfaction and response to Internet-based (CRC Health Group's e-Getgoing) group counseling for partial responders to methadone maintenance treatment. Patients testing positive for an illicit substance (n = 37) were randomly assigned to e-Getgoing or onsite group counseling and followed for 6 weeks. Patients in both conditions responded favorably to intensified treatment by achieving at least 2 consecutive weeks of abstinence and 100% attendance to return to less-intensive care (e-Getgoing: 70% vs. routine: 71%, ns). Treatment satisfaction was good and comparable across conditions. E-Getgoing patients expressed a preference for the Internet-based service, reporting convenience and increased confidentiality as major reasons. Integrating Internet-based group counseling with on-site treatment services could help expand the continuum of care in methadone maintenance clinics.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 331-338 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adaptive treatment
- E-therapy
- Internet psychotherapy
- Methadone maintenance
- Stepped treatment
- Videoconference
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Phychiatric Mental Health
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health