The Open Door Mission: Measuring and Predicting Outcomes of One Community-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Abstract

This study tracked graduates of a community-based substance abuse treatment program for homeless men in Houston, Texas. A standardized assessment instrument was developed to determine what characteristics were associated with a more favorable outcome. The authors found that abstinence was strongly predicted by employment, 12-Step work with Alcoholics Anonymous sponsors, and service with others in sobriety. In contrast to expectations, abstinence was not predicted by the programmatic goals of affiliation with a home church and/or identification of a mentor. Results support continued use of evidence-based outcome determinants for the Open Door Mission and other community-based substance abuse treatment programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance abuse
• treatment outcomes
• community-based
• Christian
• 12-Step

Notes

We are especially thankful for the leadership provided by Mr. Alan M. Craft, who initiated this study and has generously given his time and resources for over 40 years to the management and growth of the Open Door Mission. We also wish to acknowledge the assistance of the Open Door Mission's Director of Social Services, Kirsten C. Besch, LMSW, MPH, the Open Door Mission's Medical Director, C. Stratton Hill, MD, the Open Door Mission's Board of Directors, the University of Texas School of Public Health, and most importantly, the men who seek help from the Open Door Mission.