Discharge status is frequently cited as a performance indicator with high intuitive appeal to serve as a low-cost proxy indicator of therapeutic outcome. Researchers are just beginning to address the relationship of discharge status to therapeutic outcomes for adolescents treated for substance abuse. Eighty-six clients were categorized based on the discharge status assigned by the treatment program and interviewed using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs questionnaire at intake and 90 days after discharge. The paper suggests that future research examine the relative importance of pretreatment factors, length of stay, and discharge status. The paper claims that use of discharge status as a performance indicator is probably most helpful when used within a treatment program where there is careful standardization. Discharge status is better suited as a performance indicator for treatment retention, not treatment effectiveness. Tables, references