Predictors of treatment outcomes in men and women admitted to a therapeutic community

This study compared factors that predict treatment outcomes in men and wome n randomly assigned to two therapeutic communities differing primarily in l ength of inpatient and outpatient treatment. Based on the prior research li terature comparing treatment outcomes of men and women. we formulated the f ollowing research question: Do factors that predict drug use at follow-up, postdischarge arrest, and employment at follow-up differ for men and women? Self-reports and objective measures of criminal activity and substance abu se were collected at pre- and posttreatment interviews. Separate regression analyses were conducted for men and women for each of the three outcome va riables. The results showed that the predictors of outcome for men and wome n were similar. Clients who completed the 12-month treatment programs had b etter outcomes regardless of gender. Men and women who completed treatment were characterized at follow-up by substantial reductions in drug use and a rrests and by increased employment. Results further suggested that the long er residential treatment program had a particularly beneficial impact on wo men. Number of prior arrears was also associated with postdischarge outcome s for women. Women with more arrests at admission were more likely to have a postdischarge arrest and less likely to be employed at follow-up. This fi nding provides invaluable information about which women may be at greater r isk for relapse and in need of additional services. We conclude that comple tion of treatment is the key predictor of treatment outcomes for both men a nd women.