Observations of substance use treatment engagement during the period of community re-entry following residential treatment

Background

The period of community re-entry following residential substance use treatment is associated with elevated risk for return to substance use. Although continuity of care is best practice, many individuals do not engage in follow-up treatment, struggle to engage in follow-up treatment, or continue to use substances while participating in follow-up treatment. There is a need to both characterize treatment engagement during community re-entry following residential substance use treatment as well as understand how treatment impacts substance use during this high-risk period.

Method

This observational study used retrospective self-report to examine treatment engagement and substance use among individuals who had exited residential substance use treatment. Participants completed a Timeline Follow-back interview reporting substance use and treatment engagement in the 30 days following residential treatment.

Results

Most participants (83.1 %) reported engaging in substance use treatment following discharge. The most common treatments were Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (61.1 %), medication for addiction treatment (40 %), and outpatient therapy (29.2 %). Participants were less likely to use substances on a day in which they engaged in outpatient therapy (OR = 0.32, 95 % CI [0.12, 0.90], p = 0.030) and more likely on days they engaged in medication treatment (OR = 21.49, 95 % CI [1.46, 316.74], p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Findings characterize engagement in substance use treatment in the month following residential treatment. Treatment engagement was common during community re-entry; however, only outpatient therapy was found to reduce substance use during this high-risk period. Findings may inform intervention efforts during the high-risk period of community re-entry.