Client factors associated with treatment completion in a substance abuse treatment facility

Abstract

This study examined a sample (n = 415) of patients initiating short-term substance abuse treatment to determine if demographic factors, personality factors, presenting affect, or presenting symptom severity could predict treatment completion. A logistic regression was conducted and results indicated that men, individuals scoring lower on a measure of neuroticism, and patients who reported higher levels of presenting agitation were all less likely to successfully complete the treatment program; 12% of the variance in completion was accounted for by these constructs. Presenting symptom severity, other indicators of the Big Five personality constructs, and additional negative affect indictors were not significant predictors of treatment completion. The implications for research and practice are discussed.

• Program completion
• substance abuse treatment
• personality
• symptom severity