Client characteristics and treatment retention in an outpatient drug -free chemical dependency program

摘要: CLIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT RETENTION IN AN OUTPATIENT DRUG-FREE CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY PROGRAM Jessica A. Thull, B. A., M.A. Marquette University, 2009 Substance abuse and dependence have detrimental effects at both micro macro societal levels. Even so, these disorders appear to be amenable treatment persons who receive for such problems generally achieve positive outcomes. However, reported substance dropout rates varied greatly no consistent “treatment dropout” profile has been detected. This study aimed describe the characteristics of clients entering an intensive outpatient chemical dependency program examine how variables differed between were retained in completion dropped out prematurely. Additionally, it explored whether meaningful subgroups this sample could identified. Results indicated that age, marital status, income, psychological comorbidity, substance(s) use, extent use related retention. Cluster analysis findings delineated four based on negative consequences ASI composite scores across medical, employment, alcohol drug, legal, social, psychiatric domains. Identified appeared vary along two broad dimensions: degree functional impairment type(s) use. are compared contrasted with existing literature. Study limitations discussed, implications regarding theory building, assessment, interventions. Future investigations individual level recommended guide design, implementation, evaluation clinically-relevant empirically-driven assessment procedures interventions enhance retention outcomes within a particular program.