Prediction of successful response to multimodality treatment among heroin addicts

In an effort to identify predictor variables associated with successful response to multimodality treatment among heroin addicts, this investigation compared addict-clients classified by means of behavioral ratings into success and failure groups on 16 social history and 18 psychological variables using stepwise discrimination techniques. Statistical analyses correctly classified 100% of the treatment failure group and 92% of treatment successes. Successful clients were characterized by more advanced educational achievement at intake, later onset of opiate use, higher scores on MMPI Scales Es and L, and lower scores on MMPI Scale 7. Results suggest that collection and nanlyses of such data at intake may provide a reliable basis for prediction of treatment outcome as well as an objective means for early identification of "high risk" individuals who may require a more concentrated and individualized therapeutic effort.