Methods for enhancing transition of substance dependent patients from inpatient to outpatient treatment.

Abstract

This study examined methods for increasing transition of substance dependent patients from inpatient detoxification to outpatient aftercare. One hundred and ninety-six patients were randomly assigned to, (1) standard referral (standard); (2) standard referral with an incentive (incentive); or (3) staff escort from detoxification to aftercare with an incentive (escort+incentive). Incentives (worth US$13.00) were dispensed for completing aftercare intake procedures on the day of discharge from detoxification. More escort+incentive participants (76%) than those in the incentive (44%) or standard conditions (24%) completed intake. The escort+incentive procedure may be useful for improving transition from detoxification to aftercare.