DOMAINS OF VARIABLES FOR UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING RETENTION IN THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITIES

This paper discusses the value of different domains of variables for u nderstanding and improving retention in therapeutic communities for su bstance users. Retention is important because therapeutic communities have high rates of attrition, and no other variables have been found t hat have practical implications for improving client outcomes from pro grams. Research shows that most client variables do not predict retent ion, and those that do are generally weak and sporadic predictors. Tre atment entry variables have been stronger and more consistent predicto rs of retention. The small amount of research that has been done on pr ogram and treatment variables suggests they are important predictors o f retention. Research needs to focus less on client variables and more on variables from the other domains if it is to be more useful for un derstanding and improving retention in therapeutic communities.