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current TC inmates (REST and CRC forms), and post-release data collection for all inmates
proceeded as planned through the end of the study period.
Response rates for TC samples (Le., completion of Consent, Drug Screen and REST
forms) were consistently excellent (548/637 = 86%)24. We attribute this high response rate to two
major factors. First, TC is an intensive, one-year residential program. Many new TC inmates are
highly motivated and interested in recovery when they begin TC, and self-assessment is a critical
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requirement of their early treatment work. Second, experienced treatment counselors have
fiequent, daily contact with TC inmates, and counselors tend to form stronger therapeutic
relationships (and trust) with TC inmates. Both factors likely enhanced our TC response rates.
Response rates for inmates in the Comparison samples (Subject Consent forms and TCU
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Drug Screen forms) fluctuated over time, but never equaled those of TC (1030/2029 = 51%). As
noted above, inmates participated in non-residential Education and Outpatient programs for much
shorter time periods than TC, they tended to have less time remaining in their sentences, and they
tended to develop weaker therapeutic relationships (and trust) with their counselors. Indeed,
counselors reported a higher degree of suspicion and mistrust among inmates in the Education
and Outpatient groups. They also reported that it was more dficult to overcome this suspicion
due to their relatively intiequent contact with inmates (1 - 3 hours of group time per week).
Because of the lower response rate for the Comparison sample, care was taken in data analyses to
examine and control for selection differences potentially related to recidivism (e.g., prior and
current offense severity, and assessed need for treatment).
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24 The number of inmates approached (shown here) is less than the number of inmates admitted
(Table 2). Many inmates admitted to D & A programs during the study period were either
transferred or unsuccessfblly discharged prior to completing their first month of treatment. As
such, they would not have been approached for participation in the study.
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This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not
been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.