title: Engaging substance abusers after centralized assessment: predictors of treatment entry and dropout.
abstract: High attrition continues to be an important issue for substance abuse treatment providers. This study examined factors contributing to treatment entry and dropout after referral from centralized assessment. Univariate analysis showed that individuals with a shorter wait after assessment were more likely to attend an initial treatment appointment, while those who reported a history of physical or sexual abuse or were on probation were significantly more likely to drop out of treatment early. Multivariate analysis revealed, first, that persons with a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis and those referred to outpatient rather than residential care were less likely to enter treatment; and, second, that persons on probation and with a history of physical or sexual abuse were more likely to be early treatment dropouts. Findings suggest that decisions to seek help and to accept help are distinct, and that program factors play a substantial role in treatment engagement and retention.
authors: Missouri Institute of Mental Health, St. Louis 63139, USA. clausr@mimh.edu
authors: Ronald E
authors: RE
authors: Claus
authors: Lisa R
authors: LR
authors: Kindleberger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome