Data came from a focus group of nine program graduates, mostly black males in their 20's and 30's, and interviews with 16 counselors or case managers. Results revealed seven basic ways of conceptualizing success: sobriety and abstinence, graduation from the treatment program or involvement in it for a long time, attainment of life-skills goals such as sobriety and employment, changes in the psychological and emotional areas, better relationships with family and friends, ability to cope with problems and stress, and a subjective sense of improving. The major elements responsible for success included self-motivation, the treatment culture, 12-step meetings, and support from relatives and friends outside the program. Findings suggested that treatment success is not viewed by clients or staff as a unitary or static concept. Although abstinence is a precondition, the meaning of success is much broader. In fact, the concept of progress may be more accurate than success as an indicator of treatment outcome. 39 references