Investigating Patients' Perceptions Of Residential Substance Use Treatment. Is Drop Out A Deliberate Or Impulsive Act?

The underlying mechanisms of drop out in residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment were investigated from the users' perspective to identify what impacts their drop-out. A survey-based design was used in this study of patients who had decided to drop-out from residential SUD treatment with a therapeutic community approach. The survey included items such as patient satisfaction, psychological burden, and treatment-related factors such as staff competence. We found a high psychological burden among the dropout population. Patients who had considered dropout before leaving treatment reported significantly more difficulty from program-related treatment factors. The patients reported confidence in staff competence. A need for increased access to staff was reported, especially among those actively considering drop-out. Our results suggest that dropping out might not be an impulsive act but a result of prior consideration and decision-making. The study has important clinical implications for social and health services to consider to reduce dropout.