STAGE-12: Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step Programs: A combined group and individual treatment program, v. 3.0.

This manual, developed for use by the STAGE-12 protocol, CTN-0031, was adapted from Stuart Baker’s “Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy for Drug Abuse” (New Haven, CT: Yale Psychotherapy Research Center, 1998). STAGE-12 refers to “Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step Programs,” a combined individual and group intervention targeted toward individuals who have primary or secondary diagnoses of abuse or dependence on methamphetamine, cocaine, or other stimulant drugs. The STAGE-12 intervention has been designed to be incorporated into intensive outpatient settings; however, it could equally well be incorporated into other treatment settings such residential. It could also be useful for clients with substance use disorders other than or in addition to stimulant abuse or dependence. The primary goals of STAGE-12 are to increase participants’ attendance at 12-Step meetings and to increase their active involvement in 12-Step activities. This increased attendance and engagement is thought to mediate subsequent reductions in substance use and to facilitate recovery.

The manual begins with an introductory chapter that provides a review of stimulant drugs and their effects, causes of addiction, and DSM-IV symptoms of stimulant abuse and dependence. Subsequent chapters describe the format and focus of the 3 STAGE-12 individual treatment sessions, the 5 group sessions, how clinicians are chosen and trained, and the adherence scale used to rate tapes of treatment sessions to insure that clinicians are delivering the treatment as it is intended. An extensive bibliography and list of readings and other resources are also included. These resources will provide clinicians with pertinent clinical and research literature as well as other resources related to 12-Step programs.

Related protocols: CTN-0031