Research note - Opiate withdrawal outcome: The predictive ability of admission measures from the Family Assessment Device (FAD)

The Family Assessment Device (F.A.D.) was administered to a sample of 57 op iate misusers at admission for inpatient detoxification. Logistic regressio n analyses showed that the odds of a premature discharge against medical ad vice from the Unit were increased by progressively poorer ratings of family functioning in the areas of problem solving and roles, while progressively poorer ratings of functioning in the areas of communication and behavioral control were associated with decreasing odds of a premature discharge. It was concluded that further research was required to better understand and u tilize the potentially supportive role of families in this phase of treatme nt.