Characteristics of Treatment Completers versus Treatment Noncompleters in a Targeted Capacity Expansion and HIV/AIDS Education Program for Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

This study examines and presents outcome analyses of characteristics of treatment completers versus treatment noncompleters in a Targeted Capacity Expansion (TCE) and HIV/AIDS Education Program for adolescents with substance use disorders, using a two-group nonrandomized design. The treatment completion rate was 47%, exceeding the national average of 40% for outpatient clients. These results suggest the importance of utilizing comprehensive assessments, providing linkages to assertive continuing care, and developing curricula to meet cultural, developmental, and gender-specific needs of adolescent clients. The TCE and HIV/AIDS Education Program appears to be an effective program for reducing and eliminating substance abuse among adolescents.

KEYWORDS:

• Frequent completion
• HIV/AIDS education program
• adolescent
• substance use disorders

Notes

This study was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) but does not necessarily reflect the views of the SAMHSA or the DHHS.