title: Predictors of retention in dual-focus self-help groups.
abstract: Attendance at 12-step groups has been found useful in maintaining abstinence from substance use; many members disengage early, missing out on potential benefits. New 12-step based groups have emerged to address the recovery needs of the many substance users with psychiatric comorbidity. Little is known about factors associated with retention in 12-step, especially in this population. This study sought to identify predictors of retention over a one-year period among members of a dual-focus 12-Step fellowship (N = 276). Using multivariate analysis, the following baseline characteristics were associated with greater retention one year later: older age, more lifetime arrests, abstinence in the pre-baseline year, more psychiatric symptoms in the pre-baseline year, not taking psychiatric medication, being more troubled by substance abuse than by mental health, and greater level of self-efficacy for recovery; residing in supported housing and being enrolled in outpatient treatment at follow-up were also significantly associated with better retention. Clinical implications to enhance retention in specialized 12-step groups are discussed.
authors.affiliation: National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY 10010, USA. laudet@ndri.org
authors.forename: Alexandre B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Laudet
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Magura
authors.forename: Charles M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.forename: Howard S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Vogel
authors.forename: Edward L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Knight
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*