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Factors predicting completion in a cohort of opiate users entering a detoxification programme

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Abstract

Aim

To determine the outcome and factors influencing outcome among a cohort of drug users commencing detoxification from opiate use.

Methods

National cohort study of randomly selected opiate users commencing methadone detoxification treatment in 1999, 2001 and 2003 (n = 327).

Results

One quarter 62 (25.6%) of opiate users had a successful detoxification within the 3-month study criteria. Receiving some inpatient treatment as part of detoxification programme resulted in completion by 56.3% drug users compared to outpatient only treatment (21%). The factors independently influencing detoxification are as follows: having some inpatient treatment AOR 5.9 (2.63–13.64) and never having injected AOR 2.25 (1.20–4.25). An additional 31 (9%) opiate users had a detoxification between 3 months and 1 year and 27 (8%) moved into methadone maintenance.

Conclusions

This study finds that having some inpatient treatment increases the likelihood of a detoxification within 3 months. Offering a detoxification early in a drug using career pre-injecting drug use should be considered for suitable and motivated patients.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express sincere thanks to all the staff at national drug treatment services for their assistance. We would also like to thank Ms. Fionnuala Rafferty at the Central Treatment List.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Strategic Health Planning, Population Health Directorate, Dr. Steeven’s Hospital, HSE, Dublin 8, Ireland

    Louise Mullen

  2. HSE, Dublin Mid-Leinster, Bridge House, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10, Ireland

    Eamon Keenan & Loretto Grogan

  3. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Centre for Health Sciences, Dublin 24, Ireland

    Joseph Barry

  4. Alcohol and Drug Research Unit, Health Research Board, Third Floor, Knockmaun House, 42-47 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

    Jean Long

  5. Health Information and Quality Authority, George’s Lane, Dublin 7, Ireland

    Deirdre Mulholland

  6. Irish College of General Practitioners, Seapoint Ave, Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland

    Ide Delargy

Authors
  1. Louise Mullen
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  2. Eamon Keenan
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  3. Joseph Barry
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  4. Jean Long
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  5. Deirdre Mulholland
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  6. Loretto Grogan
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  7. Ide Delargy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Louise Mullen.

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Mullen, L., Keenan, E., Barry, J. et al. Factors predicting completion in a cohort of opiate users entering a detoxification programme. Ir J Med Sci 179, 569–573 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0469-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0469-3

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