A longitudinal evaluation of treatment engagement and recovery stages.

Recent methodological advancements for structural equation modeling were used to test a comprehensive version of the TCU Treatment Model, especially for addressing the hypothesized sequential relationships of early engagement components (participation and therapeutic relationship) and early recovery (psychosocial and behavioral changes) that contribute to retention and posttreatment recovery. Relationships among pretreatment patient motivation, treatment process elements, a cognitive-based treatment strategy, retention, and drug use outcomes were estimated using intake, during treatment, and 1-year followup data for 711 patients in outpatient methadone treatment. Hypothesized sequential elements representing treatment process and patient functioning were supported, and relationships between these components were estimated also as odds ratios as an aid for translating the findings and increasing their clinical usefulness to treatment settings.