According to interviews with 356 outpatients conducted by University of California at Los Angeles researchers Drs. Maureen P. Hillhouse and Robert Fiorentine, 48 percent of clients who completed treatment abstained from drugs during the six-months following discharge. But the percentage increased to 86 percent for those who completed the program and maintained weekly participation in 12-step meetings during and after treatment.

"Even though some aspects of a 12-step program are included in outpatient drug treatment programs, participation in at least one outside weekly meeting does make a big difference," said Hillhouse.

The researchers recommended regular participation in a 12-step program as a "refresher course" for addicts so that they can acknowledge loss of control over drug use and accept the need for lifelong abstinence.

The report was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Addiction Medicine held recently in Los Angeles, Calif.

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