Predictors of 3-month retention in a drug treatment therapeutic community.

Full Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: To study rates of 3-month retention in a drug treatment therapeutic community and the characteristics of residents who remain in treatment. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 200 consecutive admissions to a therapeutic community in Christchurch, New Zealand received a structured interview and questionnaires and were prospectively followed for 3 months. Assessments included the Modified Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), Temperament Character Inventory (TCI) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: A total of 107 out of 187 residents remained in the program for at least 3 months. These residents had a better baseline mental health score (SF-36), higher lifetime depression, higher current sedative/hypnotic dependence and less lifetime stimulant dependence. The differences were modest and predicted around 18% of the variance in outcome. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The retention rate is consistent with other studies. Few variables predict those who discontinue treatment supporting a non-discriminatory approach to new residents by clinicians.

Author information

Author/s: Mulder, Roger T (RT); Frampton, Christopher M A (CM); Peka, Hatarei (H); Hampton, Gavin (G); Marsters, Tau (T);

Affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. roger.mulder(-atsign-)otago.ac.nz

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Drug and alcohol review (Drug Alcohol Rev), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jul; vol 28 (issue 4) : pp 366-71

Dates: Created 2009/07/14; Completed 2009/09/24;

PMID: 19594790, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/24/2009, IMS Date: )

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