Client engagement in drug treatment.

Abstract

Client engagement in drug abuse treatment is associated with favorable treatment outcomes, but it is not completely understood why some clients are more likely to engage in treatment. This study examines a wide array of client characteristics and treatment experiences potentially associated with engagement. Findings from the Los Angeles Target Cities Project, funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, indicate that the predictors of treatment engagement are generally confined to current treatment experiences. For both women and men, the perceived utility of treatment, ancillary services, and the client-counselor relationship are the strongest predictors of client engagement in treatment. Client characteristics are generally not strong predictors of treatment engagement. Concerning the client-counselor relationship, the findings suggest that women may respond more favorably to an empathic counseling style, whereas men may respond to a more utilitarian style. The findings contradict popular stereotypes about the treatment-"receptive" client, identify possible directions for treatment improvement, and highlight the need for more research examining the treatment experience of the client. Other research, clinical, and policy implications are discussed.