Improving Substance Abuse Treatment Access and Retention Using a Case Management Approach

Abstract

The effectiveness of a case management model in improving treatment access, retention, and outcomes was examined within a cohort of 360 intravenous drug users (IDUs) pursuing substance-abuse treatment through a central intake facility. IDUs were randomly assigned either to the case management group or to the comparison group. In the case managed condition, IDUs received assistance from their case manager in identifying and accessing needed services, including substance abuse treatment. In the comparison condition, IDUs received limited referral information for substance abuse treatment. Clients in the case managed group accessed substance abuse treatment in significantly greater numbers and more rapidly than clients in the comparison group. Case-managed clients also remained in substance abuse treatment nearly twice as long as did comparison group clients. Finally, case-managed clients showed better treatment outcomes including reduced alcohol and drug use.