Increased treatment retention among substance
abusing individuals has been associated with reduced
drug use, fewer arrests, and decreased unemployment,
as well as a reduction in health risk behaviors.
This longitudinal study examined the predictors of
client retention for alternative-to-prison substance
abuse treatment programs through assessing the roles
of motivational factors and the client-worker
relationship. Results support the following
conclusions: Among clients in alternative-to prison
programs the number of days in treatment is
positively related to their motivation to change.
The therapeutic alliance is not a predictor of the
number of days in treatment. Motivation to change,
particularly recognition of a drug problem, is
positively related to the therapeutic alliance.
Changes in motivation to change in response to
treatment are positively related to the therapeutic
alliance among clients in an alternative-to prison
substance abuse treatment programs. These results
carry forward prior research and have implications
for social work practice, research, and social
welfare policy.
abusing individuals has been associated with reduced
drug use, fewer arrests, and decreased unemployment,
as well as a reduction in health risk behaviors.
This longitudinal study examined the predictors of
client retention for alternative-to-prison substance
abuse treatment programs through assessing the roles
of motivational factors and the client-worker
relationship. Results support the following
conclusions: Among clients in alternative-to prison
programs the number of days in treatment is
positively related to their motivation to change.
The therapeutic alliance is not a predictor of the
number of days in treatment. Motivation to change,
particularly recognition of a drug problem, is
positively related to the therapeutic alliance.
Changes in motivation to change in response to
treatment are positively related to the therapeutic
alliance among clients in an alternative-to prison
substance abuse treatment programs. These results
carry forward prior research and have implications
for social work practice, research, and social
welfare policy.