NCJ Number
191827
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 277-280
Date Published
September 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article investigates detoxification completion rates and client feedback at the Darwin Detoxification Unit (DDU).
Abstract
DDU is a community based semi-medical inpatient generic detoxification service in the Northern Territory of Australia. The goal of this study was to identify any factors that may be associated with satisfaction and completion rates. The outcome measured was completion or non-completion of detoxification. Client satisfaction was assessed with a self-completed questionnaire upon exit from the service, regardless of whether the client did or did not complete detoxification. Results showed that half of all admissions during the six-month study completed detoxification and those with alcohol-related admissions were more than twice as likely to complete than those with other drug-related admissions. Clients reported a variety of reasons for exiting early, most commonly a change of mind or personal commitments. Dissatisfaction with the service did not appear to be a reason for leaving prior to detoxification completion. High levels of satisfaction were obtained across all the domains explored, which included living arrangement, accommodation, and labor force involvement. High rates of satisfaction may be related to the demonstrated client profile, characterized by low education, low employment rates, and high levels of homelessness; conditions at DDU may have been preferable to their home or homeless conditions. While client satisfaction with DDU did not prove to be significantly associated with detoxification completion, some program initiatives may improve completion rates, particularly for other drug-related admissions. Intake procedures could include greater focus on admission planning. Regular monitoring of, and assistance with, concerns relating to issues external to DDU may also increase completion rates. 1 table, 8 references