An evaluation of follow up program for drug addict patients

Regular follow-up and monitoring of progress of recovery is the most important aspect of the treatment of an addict. Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process rather than a single event. A retrospective study on 288 treated patients from the private chamber of a psychiatrist revealed that only 74 (30.32%. Patient came back for follow-up. Among the 74 patients 30 (40.54%) patients dropped out from the program within two weeks and only 18(24.32%) patients continued to attend the program at regular interval up to 3 months. Percentage of relapse was found highest during 3rd to 5th (within 2 months of discharge) follow-up visits. Majority of he patients who discontinued their follow-up program was unmarried and belongs to the lower socio-economic class.