Success of Drug Treatment in Peru
Author Information
Author(s): Johnson Knowlton, Pan Zhenfeng, Young Linda, Vanderhoff Jude, Shamblen Steve, Browne Thom, Linfield Ken, Suresh Geetha
Primary Institution: Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Inc.
Hypothesis
What are the overall changes in illegal drug and alcohol use of former clients of TC drug abuse treatment facilities in Peru?
Conclusion
The study found that former clients of drug and alcohol treatment in facilities using the TC model reported substantial positive change in use of illegal drugs and alcohol to intoxication at a six-month follow-up.
Supporting Evidence
- 56% reduction in any illegal drug use was reported by clients.
- 40% reduction in PCB (coca paste) use was observed.
- 22% reduction in cocaine use was noted.
- 24% reduction in cannabis use was found.
- 35% reduction in alcohol use to intoxication was reported.
Takeaway
This study shows that people who went through a special drug treatment program in Peru used less drugs and alcohol after six months.
Methodology
The study used a retrospective pre-test design to compare drug and alcohol use before and after treatment among 509 former clients from 33 treatment facilities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the assumption that non-respondents had relapsed.
Limitations
The study's response rate of 58% is lower than typical in the U.S., and the retrospective pretest design may introduce recall bias.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 100% male former clients aged 18 to 76, with a mean age of 34, primarily Mestizo ethnicity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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