Retention in an Aftercare Program for Recovering Women

Abstract

Examining the correlates of aftercare participation is critical to program development and successful relapse prevention. This study assesses retention in an aftercare program of case management and peer support for formerly homeless recovering mothers. Length of residential drug treatment, length of sobriety, strong support networks, and concerns about housing and parenting predicted completion of the case management component. Emotional instability and the severity of problems were found to be correlated with participation in the peer support group. Sociodemographic characteristics were not related to program retention. The findings illustrate the need to tailor aftercare services to the level of clients' recovery and the need for female-only aftercare groups where women can safely discuss physical and sexual abuse issues related to their misuse of drugs.

Program factors related to women's substance abuse treatment retention and other outcomes: A review and critique

“…Scott-Lennox et al (2000) found that women who had received prior residential care from the same agency as their outpatient treatment were more likely to complete the outpatient treatment. Coughey et al (1998) found that clients who had received residential treatment were more likely to complete the aftercare program than those who had not received residential treatment. The aftercare program case managers stated that women with unstable conditions or inadequate prior drug treatment were most likely to drop out and that those women should receive bfirst careQ prior to aftercare.…”

Attrition in a Longitudinal Drug Abuse Prevention Study

“…Sociodemographic variables were identified as significant correlates of dropping out in some longitudinal studies (Cooney et al, 1988;Snow et al, 1992aSnow et al, , 1992b, whereas sociodemographic characteristics were not related to retention in other studies (Coughey et al, 1998). In general, attrition causes a more homogeneous sample that under-represents both drug-users and disadvantaged subjects.…”

The 6 Dimensions of Promising Practice for Case Managed Supports to End Homelessness

“…This type of support has been shown to reduce hospitalizations, substance abuse, crises interventions, improved employment outcomes, and quality of life (Coughey, 1998;Gates & Akabas, 2007). The peer worker also reports benefi ts related to being part of the team; however, proper support is important for success, including clarity of roles, policies specifi c to confi dentiality, and ethical conduct and adequate support (Gates & Akabas, 2007;Weissman et al, 2005).…”

“…This can be particularly important for aboriginal people, providing opportunity for culturally appropriate experiences and healing approaches (Fiske, 2008). Further more, building and extending a social support network will help ensure sustainability once formal case management has ceased (Coughey, 1998;Mueser, Bond, Drake, & Resnick, 1998).…”