The impact of a brief induction on short-term continuation in a therapeutic community

Continuation in substance abuse treatment is one of the strongest predictors of successful post-treatment outcomes across all major treatment modalities. However, since rates of attrition are highest within the first month of treatment, many clients drop out before these positive outcomes are realized. The impact of organizational and therapeutic factors on treatment continuation in therapeutic communities has received little attention in the literature. This study was conducted to determine whether a brief induction to treatment was associated with improved treatment continuation in a therapeutic community. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that induction was associated with 30-day continuation. Prior treatment and court-mandated treatment were also associated with continuation.