Dropping out of substance abuse treatment: A clinically oriented review

Abstract

Early attrition from substance abuse treatment is very high, although rates do not differ dramatically from those found in medical and psychiatric treatments. The consequences of substance abuse treatment dropout are severe, however, with early dropouts having the same outcome as untreated clients. Evidence is considered regarding the impact of demographic and social variables on continuation in treatment. The effects of client motivation, substance use, criminality and legal pressure, prior treatment history, and psychopathology are also examined. An analysis of treatment factors and procedures used to enhance retention indicates that more conveniently located, smaller, decentralized clinics, with higher clinical staff ratios and more per capita expenditures, have lower attrition rates. Clients are also likely to continue in treatment longer when they receive rapid initial response and individual attention, and when they are seen in smaller groups in friendly, comfortable environments. Inexpensive techniques such as reminder phone calls and personal letters can be employed in the absence of resources needed to mount more extensive attrition prevention interventions.