This study uses a nonexperimental design. Using regression analysis, the authors compared the outcomes of a group who received outpatient RBT only (the comparison group) to a group that received outpatient RBT plus Recovery Housing (the treatment group).    

Both groups attended a 24-week outpatient treatment program. They received individual counseling 2-3 times each week and attended outpatient services every day for the first four weeks, four days a week for weeks four through twelve, and twice a week for the last twelve weeks. Participants were monitored on their progress toward a minimum of four goals such as attendance, drug abstinence, employment seeking, or recreational activities. Urine testing and breath testing for drugs and alcohol were collected at each visit.   

The treatment group received RBT plus 12 weeks of paid recovery housing contingent on abstinence from opioids. The treatment group sample was drawn from a randomized condition and recruited from April 10, 2001 to February 21, 2004. The comparison group received outpatient RBT and housing case management, but no recovery housing. The comparison group sample was drawn from a non-randomized, longitudinal study and recruited from September 18, 2004 to May 24, 2006. A total of 135 individuals were recruited into the study from the same medical detoxification facility at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, with 55 in the comparison group and 80 in the treatment group. The treatment and comparison group samples were both drawn from the same medical detoxification units with the same eligibility criteria. Participants had similar drug use characteristics and demographics.