Predictors of inpatient treatment completion of subjects with heroin dependence

One hundred and four subjects with heroin dependence, consecutive new admission to a ward were studied prospectively to assess treatment retention. All these subjects were admitted voluntarily after pre-admission counselling wherein treatment package (four week's stay), ward routine, rules and regulation were explained. Socio-demographic parameters, drug use history, motivation as understood by "readiness to change", reasons for seeking treatment were obtained. Reasons for non completion were noted. Thirty two subjects (31%) completed treatment. Out of 72 non-completers, 38 subjects (36%) left against medical advice and 34(33%) were discharged prematurely by the treating team for violating ward norms. Multivariate analysis showed that readiness to change (being in action stage), age of onset of heroin use (late), legal problems (high) and self confidence regarding recovery (high) in order of significance, predicted treatment completion. Therapeutic strategies to minimise drop-out. are discussed.