Factors associated with frequent utilization of crisis substance use detoxification services

Previous research suggests that some substance users have multiple crisis detoxification visits and never access rehabilitation care. This care-seeking pattern leads to poorer outcomes and higher costs. The authors aimed to identify predictors of repeat detoxification visits by analyzing state-level data routinely collected at the time of substances use services admission. Repeat detoxification clients were more likely to be homeless, city-dwelling fee-for-service Medicaid recipients. Repeat detoxification clients were less likely than those with one admission to enter rehabilitation within 3 days. Treatment providers should aim for rapid transfer to rehabilitation and consider expanding detoxification intake data to improve risk stratification.