PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGE DURING RESIDENCE IN A REHABILITATION CENTER FOR FEMALE DRUG MISUSERS .1. DRUG MISUSERS

Fifty consecutive entrants to a year-long Christian residential rehabilitation programme for female drug misusers received a comprehensive psychological assessment on intake, 3 and 6 months later, and at completion of the programme. Significant changes were seen in emotional states, self-esteem, personality and attitudes to Christianity. Most of the changes occurred during the first 3 months, but changes in personality continued throughout the period of residence. The 11 women who completed the programme differed significantly from the others on their characteristics at intake; the 26 who dropped out during the first 3 months differed significantly from those who dropped out after that time. In both cases, the differences were at a clinically significant level. The importance of matching drug users to rehabilitation centres is discussed.