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Abstract
Non‐completion rates for inpatient drug detoxification programmes vary between 25–50%. Non‐completion is associated with poorer longer‐term outcomes for substance dependence. Little research has been undertaken on the relationship between early childhood difficulties and completion of treatment. This study investigates whether there is an independent association between early maladjustment and adherence within an inpatient detoxification programme. Data was collected using a case notes study of all patients admitted to an inpatient drug dependency unit (n = 289) over a 1‐year period. Serious maladjustment was found to be significantly associated with non‐completion of the inpatient programme. The clinical implications of this finding are discussed.