Admission variables as predictors of completion in an adolescent residential drug treatment program.

PROBLEM

Understanding of the pretreatment characteristics of drug-dependent adolescents to better match clients to treatment models that serve their needs for successful recovery.

METHODS

A random sample of (N = 91) clients records were selected for this outcomes pilot. Chi-square analysis examined differences between groups and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined which variables best predicted completion status.

FINDINGS

Several admission variables were associated with noncompletion and included: fire setting, sex for drugs, or addicted parents. Variables associated with completion included: first time admission to treatment or referral to treatment by peer.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that adolescents admitted to treatment with preexisting major depression might have unique treatment needs. Peer education treatment referral systems may be viable ways to encourage adolescents with drug-dependency problems to seek treatment.