A modified therapeutic community‐based rehabilitation programme for heroin dependence in reformatory school: A follow‐up study

Abstract

One hundred and seventy‐eight heroin addicts in reformatory school were sent to one of two rehabilitation treatments: reform through education and labour and therapeutic community (TC)‐based rehabilitation programme. After six months of being discharged, pre‐ and post‐treatment scores on the Addiction Severity Index were compared, and relapse related factors were investigated. Results indicated improvements in both treatments, with the TC‐based rehabilitation programme showing superior improvement overall. Results support the efficacy of the TC‐based rehabilitation programme proving it to be better than reform through labour and education. It is suggested that psychosocial intervention and relapse prevention should be emphasised in the treatment of drug dependence.

Citation

Zhao, M., Hao, W., Yang, D., Xiao, S., Li, L., Zhang, Y., Chen, W., Ping, L., Deng, K. and Deng, X. (2002), "A modified therapeutic community‐based rehabilitation programme for heroin dependence in reformatory school: A follow‐up study", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 10-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/17459265200200003