Skip to main content

Early Exit: Estimating and explaining early exit from drug treatment

Stevens, Alex, Radcliffe, Polly C., Hunt, Neil, Sanders, Melony (2008) Early Exit: Estimating and explaining early exit from drug treatment. Harm Reduction Journal, 5 (13). pp. 1-14. ISSN 1477-7517. (doi:10.1186/1477-7517-5-13) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:13339)

PDF
Language: English

Restricted to Repository staff only
[thumbnail of HRJ_Early_Exit.pdf]
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1477-7517-5-13

Abstract

Background: Early exit (drop-out) from drug treatment can mean that drug users do not derive the full benefits that treatment potentially offers. Additionally, it may mean that scarce treatment resources are used inefficiently. Understanding the factors that lead to early exit from treatment should enable services to operate more effectively and better reduce drug related harm. To date,

few studies have focused on drop-out during the initial, engagement phase of treatment. This paper describes a mixed method study of early exit from English drug treatment services.

Methods: Quantitative data (n = 2,624) was derived from three English drug action team areas; two metropolitan and one provincial. Hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) was used to investigate predictors of early-exit while controlling for differences between agencies. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 53 ex-clients and 16 members of staff from 10 agencies in these areas to

explore their perspectives on early exit, its determinants and, how services could be improved.

Results: Almost a quarter of the quantitative sample (24.5%) dropped out between assessment and 30 days in treatment. Predictors of early exit were: being younger; being homeless; and not being a current injector. Age and injection status were both consistently associated with exit between assessment and treatment entry. Those who were not in substitution treatment were significantly more likely to leave treatment at this stage. There were substantial variations between agencies, which point to the importance of system factors. Qualitative analysis identified several potential ways to improve services. Perceived problems included: opening hours; the service

setting; under-utilisation of motivational enhancement techniques; lack of clarity about expectations; lengthy, repetitive assessment procedures; constrained treatment choices; low initial dosing of opioid substitution treatment; and the routine requirement of supervised consumption of methadone.

Conclusion: Early exit diminishes the contribution that treatment may make to the reduction of drug related harm. This paper identifies characteristics of people most likely to drop out of treatment prematurely in English drug treatment services and highlights a range of possibilities for improving services.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1186/1477-7517-5-13
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Funders: Department of Health and Social Care (https://ror.org/03sbpja79)
Depositing User: Alex Stevens
Date Deposited: 17 Apr 2009 14:48 UTC
Last Modified: 12 Jul 2022 10:39 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/13339 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Stevens, Alex.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4878-3871
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Radcliffe, Polly C..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Hunt, Neil.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.