Correlates of outpatient drug treatment drop-out among methamphetamine users

This article explores correlates of retention among the 2,337 methamphetami ne (MA) users entering public outpatient treatment programs in California f rom January 1, 1994 through September 30, 1997. A secondary analysis of dat a from the California Alcohol and Drug Data System (CADDS) was performed an d predictors of drop-out before treatment completion las measured by a rete ntion of 180 days or more) were determined using logistic regression. Overa ll. 23.3% of MA users completed treatment, a rate similar to that for users of other drugs throughout California. As expected, MA users who were older (40 years or over), had less severe drug use patterns (used less than dail y or did not inject), or who were under coerced treatment were significantl y more likely to complete treatment that other MA users. Surprisingly, men were significantly more likely than women to drop out of treatment before 1 80 days. Until studies currently collecting primary data on MA treatment ar e completed, the present secondary analysis provides a useful foundation up on which future research and intervention strategies may be based.