The trajectory of client progress. A longitudinal pilot study

Abstract

Successful nonchemical drug treatment is a transformative experience: client change is the goal of treatment. Two domains in which programs intend to facilitate change are emotional well-being and the therapeutic relationship. Little previous research has addressed the question of what changes clients in drug treatment actually undergo while in treatment. This article presents results from a pilot longitudinal study of clients in two short-term drug treatment programs in Houston, TX. Results showed measurable increases in self-esteem and connection to counselor and decreases in anxiety and depression over the course of treatment for clients who completed treatment. Program graduates and early withdrawals showed distinctly different patterns of progress as measured by emotional and relationship scales.