The success or failure of drug treatment programs have long been evaluated by assessing the clients' progress while in treatment and their status upon completion. This approach does not provide a complete assessment or an adequate picture of treatment outcomes over time. A comprehensive evaluation of the success or failure of treatment should also include client status in the years following treatment for a fair assessment of the long-term efficacy of any drug-treatment program.

What happens to former clients who left treatment? What influence did the treatment have on their lives?...