Predictors of retention in dual-focus self-help groups

Attendance at 12-step groups has been found useful in maintaining abstinence from substance use; many members disengage early, missing out on potential benefits. New 12-step based groups have emerged to address the recovery needs of the many substance users with psychiatric comorbidity. Little is kn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Community mental health journal 2003-08, Vol.39 (4), p.281-297
Main Authors: LAUDET, Alexandre B, MAGURA, Stephen, CLELAND, Charles M, VOGEL, Howard S, KNIGHT, Edward L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abstinence
Adult
Alcoholism
Biological and medical sciences
Comorbidity
Desintoxication. Drug withdrawal
Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
Drug abuse
Drug use
Female
Focus groups
Group therapy
Humans
Interviews
Male
Medical sciences
Meetings
Mental disorders
Mental health
Mental health care
Mentally ill people
Middle Aged
New York City
Participation
Patient Dropouts
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Retention
Risk factors
Scholarships & fellowships
Self Efficacy
Self help
Self-Help Groups
Selfefficacy
Selfhelp groups
Substance abusers
Substance-Related Disorders - diagnosis
Substance-Related Disorders - rehabilitation
Support groups
Treatments
Citations: Items that cite this one
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Summary:Attendance at 12-step groups has been found useful in maintaining abstinence from substance use; many members disengage early, missing out on potential benefits. New 12-step based groups have emerged to address the recovery needs of the many substance users with psychiatric comorbidity. Little is known about factors associated with retention in 12-step, especially in this population. This study sought to identify predictors of retention over a one-year period among members of a dual-focus 12-Step fellowship (N = 276). Using multivariate analysis, the following baseline characteristics were associated with greater retention one year later: older age, more lifetime arrests, abstinence in the pre-baseline year, more psychiatric symptoms in the pre-baseline year, not taking psychiatric medication, being more troubled by substance abuse than by mental health, and greater level of self-efficacy for recovery; residing in supported housing and being enrolled in outpatient treatment at follow-up were also significantly associated with better retention. Clinical implications to enhance retention in specialized 12-step groups are discussed.
ISSN:0010-3853
1573-2789
DOI:10.1023/A:1024085423488