Retention in an aftercare program for recovering women

Examining the correlates of aftercare participation is critical to program development and successful relapse prevention. This study assesses retention in an aftercare program of case management and peer support for formerly homeless recovering mothers. Length of residential drug treatment, length of sobriety, strong support networks, and concerns about housing and parenting predicted completion of the case management component. Emotional instability and the severity of problems were found to be correlated with participation in the peer support group. Sociodemographic characteristics were not related to program retention. The findings illustrate the need to tailor aftercare services to the level of clients' recovery and the need for female-only aftercare groups where women can safely discuss physical and sexual abuse issues related to their misuse of drugs.