We reviewed 39 national government- and nongovernment-sponsored data sets related to substance addiction policy. These data sets describe patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), treatment providers and the services they offer, and/or expenditures on treatment. Findings indicate the availability of reliable data on the prevalence of SUD and…

In a randomized test of mixed-mode data collection strategies, 386 participants in the Raising Healthy Children (RHC) Project were either (a) asked to complete a survey via the Internet and later offered the opportunity to complete the survey in person or (b) first offered an in-person survey, with the Web follow-up. The Web-first condition…

This study explores the influence of gender on changes in recovery status among participants in a longitudinal study. The study sample (N = 1,202; 60% female) is recruited on referral to treatment, and annual interviews are conducted from Years 2 to 6 following intake. At each annual observation, participants are classified into one of four…

Six potential problems with the use of randomized experiments to evaluate programs in the field are addressed. Problems include treatment dilution, treatment contamination or confounding, inaccurate case flow and power estimates, violations of the random assignment processes, changes in the environmental context, and changes in the treatment…

The validity of true experiments is threatened by a class of self-report biases that affect all respondents at pretest, but which are diminished by treatment. Four of these inaccurate self-evaluation biases are discussed. Means of detection include external criteria, special conditions of measurement, and retrospective pretests. (TJH)

Five counties (Kern, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco) that demonstrate both variations and similarities in their implementation of Proposition 36 (e.g., treatment approaches, urine testing) and patient mix have been selected to participate in a study assessing how California's Proposition 36 is affecting the drug treatment system…

Using data from 1,162 people entering treatment and followed up (greater than 94%) for 8 years, this article examines the relationship between the duration of abstinence (1 month to 5 or more years) and other aspects of recovery (e.g., health, mental health, coping responses, legal involvement, vocational involvement, housing, peers, social and…

This article discusses the literature on drug treatment counselor practices and effectiveness and discusses relevant issues in a multilevel framework by considering client outcome in relation to varying characteristics of clients, counselors, and programs. A conceptual model is presented for understanding counselor effects on client outcomes. (SLD)

Aim: To describe and compare the characteristics and needs of substance-abusing women on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) who enroll in a multi-service "welfare to work" program (n = 673) with two other relevant groups: (a) women from the general TANF population in the same locales (n = 157) and (b) a sample of…