Of the individual, treatment, and extra-treatment characteristics examined, only shorter lengths of stay, and less 12-step involvement predicted subsequent relapse. Research is needed on how time-varying versions of these factors (e.g., goals to abstain or reduce use) are related to longitudinal outcomes. It may be that early involvement in 12-step (at 1 year) and length of stay also reinforce the value of 12-step facilitation, and that treatment retention may have effects on long-term outcomes. On the other hand, these findings could also suggest that an unmeasured factor, such as a strong goal-orientation, is related to use of treatment and 12-step and better outcomes, despite efforts to control for confounders. In either case, the results suggest that longer stays in treatment and 12-step attendance are prognostic markers for better outcomes in those who remit at 1-year.
