Of these, 44 percent were completely abstinent from drugs in the prior year. Compared to the nonabstinent group, abstinent subjects showed milder drug abuse at admittance to treatment, were more rarely involved in criminal activities, were alloplastic or had reality-testing deficits, and more often perceived their families as divided. During therapy, the more frequently relinquished membership in the drug culture, and more often improved their educational and/or occupational competence and relationships with parents. At followup, they attributed their abstinence to both individual and situational factors including a conscious decision to abstain, having a future, feeling worthy, and establishing new relationships, particularly with a spouse or fiance. Those who attributed some help to therapy had more often established a good, nonambivalent relationship with a spouse or fiance. The process away from drug abuse during therapy was characterized by stages of reality confrontation and disclosure, passive subjection to treatment, attachment, alterations of identity, and development of social skills. 2 references. (Author abstract modified)