A state-wide assessment: marital stability and client outcomes

This paper presents results of Missouri's first statewide evaluation of alcohol and drug treatment programs. The study utilized a 1-year follow-up sample of 242 respondents to explore the nature and patterns of post-treatment functioning. This paper focuses on the impact of client marital stability on post-treatment substance use. The data supported the expected result that marital status was related to post-treatment relapse. Further analysis suggests that transitional periods between marriage and divorce are especially important in understanding the pattern of relapse after treatment. Multivariate analysis indicates that the marital status effect is important both directly and in interaction with program completion. The data suggest that attention to transitional states and interpersonal functioning should be incorporated into client follow-up.