Residential Treatment of Methamphetamine Users: Correlates of Drop-Out from the California Alcohol and Drug Data System (Cadds), 1994–1997

Abstract

This paper explores correlates of retention among 2,570 methamphetamine users entering public residential treatment programs in California from January 1,1994 through September 30, 1997. A secondary analysis of the California Alcohol and Drug Data System (CADDS) was performed and predictors of drop-out before treatment completion (as measured by a retention of 90 days or more) were determined using logistic regression. Overall, 31.1% of methamphetamine users completed at least 90 days of treatment: very close to that for users of all other drugs (32.0%). As expected, methamphetamine users with more severe drug use (used daily or injected) were less likely to complete treatment. Those under coerced treatment were significantly more likely to complete treatment than other methamphetamine users. Clients who reported prior treatment experience were less likely to drop out. Surprisingly, men were significantly more likely than women to drop out of treatment before 90 days. Until studies currently collecting primary data on methamphetamine treatment are completed, the present secondary analysis provides a useful foundation upon which future research and intervention strategies may be based.

Key Words:

• Residential Treatment
• Retention
• Methamphetamine