Predicting Retention in a Therapeutic Community for Incarcerated Substance Abusers

ABSTRACT

In this paper, factors associated with retention in CREST, a therapeutic community for incarcerated substance abusers, are explored. Few studies have simultaneously examined different types of potential predictors that research has identified as important for retention. We do so here in an effort to clarify factors associated with retention. Retention is measured both in terms of program completion and days in treatment. The results indicate that only one predictor-frequent marijuana use prior to incarceration-is associated with completion status and days in treatment. Other factors, such as demographic variables, criminal history, psychological status, prior treatment, and legal pressure are significant predictors in some, but not all, models. Overall, more research on treatment retention is needed.

Key Words:

• Therapeutic community
• drug treatment
• retention