An abstinence-oriented program for substance use disorders: Poorer outcomeassociated with opiate dependence

Objectives: To evaluate the characteristics of patients with various substa nce-related disorders, and to examine rates of retention in treatment. Methods: We assessed the demographic characteristics, substance abuse, and psychological distress of 239 men and women at admission. Six-month perform ance was evaluated, using a criteria length of stay in treatment, abstinenc e, attendance in therapy sessions, and completion status at discharge. Results: Moderate to severe psychological distress was observed among these individuals. Higher levels of depression were found among women and in ind ividuals with alcohol and sedative use disorder. The primary drug of abuse, frequency of use, adn reason for entering treatment were the most signific ant predictors of retention. Conclusion: Opiate-addicted clients had the worst prognosis and treatment p rofiles. Further research is needed to identify factors that would optimize treatment for opiate dependence.