Treatment Dropouts: the Effect of Client and Ecological Variables

Using data gathered on persons entering into alcohol treatment programs between 1974 and 1976, the study sought to develop an equation that would predict (1) Complete Successes, (2) Partial Successes, and (3) Dropouts. The predictor variables included a broad range of client-specific characteristics and ecological variables. The results indicate that both sets of influences affect our ability to predict who will fall into various categories. There appears to be a general progression in the amount of social resources held by the individual and contained within the individual's ecological environment as one moves from Dropouts to Partial Successes to Complete Successes. Results for policy makers and practitioners are identified and discussed.