Client satisfaction and outcomes at Darwin Detoxification Unit

This study investigated detoxification completion rates and client feedback at Darwin Detoxification Unit from February to August 1999. Through client exit questionnaires, 140 clients recorded reason for leaving and rated sat isfaction with staff, daily routine/activities, medication and facilities. Half of all admissions completed detoxification. Alcohol admissions were mo re than twice as likely as other drug admissions to complete detoxification (p <0.05). Satisfaction levels were high for both alcohol and other drug a dmissions and no significant association was found between satisfaction wit h the Unit and completion of detoxification. The study highlights the chall enges in retaining other drug admissions and the need to identify additiona l strategies to encourage detoxification completion.