Program Variation in Individual-Level Predictors of Retention in Adolescent Residential Treatment

• In Event: Substance Use Programs, Completion, & Risk Factors

Abstract

Annually, the vast majority of adolescent substance abusers who need treatment do not receive it because of limited program capacity, lack of ability to pay, and limited personal motivation to seek treatment. Because these services are scarce, it is important to ensure that programs in use are conducted in the most efficient and effective way possible. Essential to this is the need to retain participants in the program, limiting dropout due to non-compliance or self-withdrawal. The current study, therefore, examines variation in the individual level predictors of treatment retention in a national sample of residential substance abuse treatment programs for adolescents collected under the NIDA-funded Drug Abuse Treatment Studies – Adolescent (DATOS-A). Retention rates varied significantly across programs as did individual characteristics. Predictors of retention across multiple programs were (p ≤ .10) race/ethnicity, age at intake, history of abuse, interactions between age and motivation, and interactions between gender and motivation. Predictors in only one program (p ≤ .10) include internal pressure to remain in treatment, self-perceptions of treatment engagement, and behavioral intentions to remain in the program. Implications of findings highlight the need to focus on individual differences to maximize program efficiency.

Authors

• Chelsey Donohoe, Temple University

• Matthew Hiller, Temple University