Predictors of 3-month retention in a drug treatment therapeutic community.
OBJECTIVE
To study rates of 3-month retention in a drug treatment therapeutic community and the characteristics of residents who remain in treatment.


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.


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.
Mulder
Roger T
RT
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. roger.mulder@otago.ac.nz
Frampton
Christopher M A
CM
Peka
Hatarei
H
Hampton
Gavin
G
Marsters
Tau
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012114:Residential Treatment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013808:Therapeutic Community; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult