PURPOSE: Contingency Management (CM) reinforcement for completing family-related activities during substance abuse treatment was associated with longer periods of abstinence and greater reduction in family conflict when participants were evaluated at 3 months post-treatment (Lewis & Petry, in press). This study examines whether CM reinforcement of engagement in family activities is associated with improvement in treatment, family, and mental health outcomes at 6-months. METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine adults meeting DSM criteria for current cocaine abuse or dependence and randomized to a CM intervention in one of two larger studies (Petry et al., 2004; Petry et al., under review) at two community-based treatment centers were grouped based on engagement in family-related activities during treatment. Family activities could be direct (e.g. visit relative in hospital, take child to movie) or indirect (e.g. write to spouse, meet with Child Welfare Worker). Activities not focused on family (e.g. attend Narcotics Anonymous, meet with parole officer) were coded as non-family-related. Completion of family activities ranged from zero to nine. Engagement was operationalized as 3+ family activitites(N=29) and non-engagement as <3 (N=130). Groups differed on total number of completed activities and on gender, which were controlled for in further analyses. At 6-months 64.2% of the sample was retained. The bivariate relationship of engagement in family activities and abstinence was analyzed using Chi Square, and independent t-tests assessed differences in Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) scores. General Linear Model (GLM) multivariate analyses of covariance evaluated the association between engagement in family activities and ASI and BSI scores controlling for confounders. Logistic Regression evaluated the association between engagement in family activities and abstinence. RESULTS: Compared to participants who did not engage in family activities, participants who did were more likely to test negative for cocaine and opiates at 6-months, p<.01, and to endorse lower ASI alcohol/drug severity scores, p<.05. Differences didn't emerge in reduction in ASI composite family scores and number days of family conflict. Engagement in family activities was related to fewer problems with participant's mother during the prior month, p<.02. Engagement in family activities was also related to lower BSI subscale scores: Interpersonal-Sensitivity, p<.01; Depression p<.01; Anxiety, p<.01; and Psychoticism, p<.01; and lower Global Severity Index score, p<.05. After controlling for total number activities completed, gender, and intake toxicology, engaging in family activities predicted greater reduction in ASI composite family score, p=.02 and BSI Positive Symptom Distress Inventory (PSDI) global score, p=.02. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Data suggest that substance abusing participants who elect to complete family-related activities for CM reinforcement may demonstrate better family functioning and mental health at 6-months than non-engagers. These findings inform practice by suggesting that reinforcing engagement in family activities may have positive long-term outcomes. REFERENCES: Lewis & Petry. Contingency management treatments that reinforce completion of goal-related activities. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, in press; Petry et al. Vouchers versus prizes: Contingency management for treatment of substance abusers in community settings, under review. Petry et al. 2004. Prize reinforcement contingency management for treating cocaine users. Addiction 99(3), 349-360.