Client-related predictors of early treatment drop-out in a substance abuse clinic exclusively employing individual therapy.

The present study examined predictors of early drop-out in a heterogeneous male and female outpatient sample enrolled in an addiction program. Clients who failed to attend five or more individual therapy sessions were considered "non treatment-engaged." Sixty-four percent of the sample engaged in initial treatment, compared to 36% who were early drop-outs. The latter group, compared to the former group, was significantly less educated and was more likely to be African American, female, report cocaine as the primary drug of choice, and be referred from outside the larger medical center (p <.05). In multivariate models, female gender and African American ethnicity were independent predictors of early treatment drop-out (p <.00001). Although substance-related factors influenced treatment outcomes, their effects were weakened when taken into consideration with demographic factors such as gender and ethnicity. Continued examination of ethnicity, gender, and other potential negative prognostic factors for attendance in various addiction treatment milieus may aid in provision of appropriate services especially for high-risk clients.