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

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.