Abstract
High rates of early hospital discharge are often observed in crack cocaine users, being related to adverse outcomes, and increased public spending. This study evaluated clinic and sociodemographic factors associated with early treatment discharge among crack users. The sample included 308 men diagnosed with crack cocaine use disorder (crack only), between 18 to 65 years of age, admitted between 2013 and 2017 in a male hospital unit to treat substance use disorders. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained using the Addiction Severity Index, 6th version, and a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Early discharge (within 7 days) was significantly associated with lack of own income, insufficient family support, being single, and recent homelessness. Regarding drug use, lower treatment retention was related to younger age of crack use onset, recent alcohol use and nicotine use. Factors such as age, skin color, and education level showed no relation to the outcome. Our findings suggest that the presence of characteristics verifiable at the time of admission may be related to crack users' treatment retention. The identification of these factors can contribute to target interventions in order to improve treatment adherence in crack cocaine users.
Published Version
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