Recorded presentation

Jenny Chong, PhD, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Rural Health Office, 2501 E. Elm Street, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520 626 7946 x 225, jchong@u.arizona.edu and Mindy Herman-Stahl, PhD, Health, Social, and Economics Research, RTI International, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.

Substance abuse treatment for Native Americans is a critical issue for public health. Thirty Native Americans who had successfully completed their residential treatment program with the Phoenix-based Native American Connections, Inc., agreed to participate in the Telephone Aftercare Program when they returned to their homes on the reservation. They were provided graduated monthly aftercare contacts through the telephone for a nominal period of six months, during which time they were interviewed regarding their substance use every month, and on other life domains, at three and six months following discharge. The Native American Addiction Severity Index was used to assess outcomes. Using their baseline data as the comparison, results suggest that clients showed decreased drinking and other drug use, had fewer alcohol cravings and relapse triggers, were more able to counteract against the cravings and relapse triggers, evidenced improved mental health, had fewer encounters with the criminal justice system, and had improved social interactions and relationships. A discussion of the feasibility and benefits of carrying out telephone aftercare with rural populations will be provided.

Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to

• Describe changes in the severity of the problems up to six months after discharge from residential treatment.
• Describe the challenges of implementing a Telephone Aftercare Program with participants on the reservation.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation