Factors predicting completion in a cohort of opiate users entering a detoxification programme.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the outcome and factors influencing outcome among a cohort of drug users commencing detoxification from opiate use.


METHODS
National cohort study of randomly selected opiate users commencing methadone detoxification treatment in 1999, 2001 and 2003 (n = 327).


RESULTS
One quarter 62 (25.6%) of opiate users had a successful detoxification within the 3-month study criteria. Receiving some inpatient treatment as part of detoxification programme resulted in completion by 56.3% drug users compared to outpatient only treatment (21%). The factors independently influencing detoxification are as follows: having some inpatient treatment AOR 5.9 (2.63-13.64) and never having injected AOR 2.25 (1.20-4.25). An additional 31 (9%) opiate users had a detoxification between 3 months and 1 year and 27 (8%) moved into methadone maintenance.


CONCLUSIONS
This study finds that having some inpatient treatment increases the likelihood of a detoxification within 3 months. Offering a detoxification early in a drug using career pre-injecting drug use should be considered for suitable and motivated patients.
Mullen
Louise
L
Strategic Health Planning, Population Health Directorate, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, HSE, Dublin 8, Ireland. Louise.mullen@hse.ie
Keenan
Eamon
E
Barry
Joseph
J
Long
Jean
J
Mulholland
Deirdre
D
Grogan
Loretto
L
Delargy
Ide
I
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult