Reasons of dropout from residential substance abuse treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Dropout from substance abuse treatment had different meanings. It was understood as a break from treatment, as an end to treatment, or as a means of reduced treatment intensity. This study aimed to assess the reasons of dropout from residential substance abuse treatment. Subjects & Methods; Exploratory Descriptive design was used in carrying out this study was conducted at the inpatient addiction department of the El-Abbassia Governmental Hospital; the study sample consisted of 90 dropped out substance abusers in the previously mentioned settings. Tools: Structured interviewing questionnaire and reasons for dropout from residential treatment questionnaire. Results: The mean reason of dropout was the lack of social support, directly followed by resistance to change. Conclusion: Based on the study finding it was concluded that the main reason of dropout was the lack of social support, directly followed by the resistance to change, while the less affecting reason was the client's relationship with other addicts. Recommendation: It is recommended that, Educational programs must be set up to increase the addict's awareness of the dangers of addiction, the importance of completing the treatment, the symptoms of dropping out, and the symptoms of craving and how to eliminate them. Mentoring programs must be designed for the families of the addicts to guide them to the right methods of supporting and helping the client to continue the treatment.