Source of referral as an indicator of motivational factors and treatment outcome with drug-dependent clients.
Source of referral to substance abuse treatment agencies was investigated as a potential indicator of client motivation and treatment outcome. Clients referred by nine different sources were compared in terms of length of stay in treatment, drug use status at termination, and closing evaluation. There were no differences between the nine referral sources in terms of the frequency with which clients were rated as improved, no improvement, or recovered. However, there were significant differences between referral sources and length of time in treatment. Clients referred by their families or those who had prior institutional experience remained in treatment longer than other groups. Length of stay in treatment was related to drug use status at termination. Clients who had detoxified remained in treatment significantly longer than clients who had not detoxified. It may be that a social support system (family) and experience in a structured setting (prior institutional experience) facilitate positive treatment outcomes.