Examining Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression as Predictors of Dropout from
Residential Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent and have deleterious
effects on one’s health and well-being. Inpatient treatment for SUDs
reduces patient relapse, which subsequently ameliorates these negative
effects on the individual and society. Additionally, those who complete
treatment are less likely to relapse compared to those who do not
complete treatment. Thus, maintaining patient engagement in treatment
and reducing the rates of those leaving against medical advice (AMA) is
particularly important. Examining the factors and comorbidities that may
contribute to treatment dropout has the potential to identify at-risk
patients in need of additional individualized intervention. The current
study aimed to examine comorbid anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as predictors of dropout AMA in a
residential substance use treatment population. Results showed that
patients with social anxiety were more likely to leave treatment AMA,
while those with PTSD were more likely to complete treatment. Findings
suggest that PTSD-specific treatment, as offered in this facility, may
help with patient retention, while group focused therapy may be
distressing to those with social anxiety. Clinical implications of this
research may include incorporating evidence-based practice for social
anxiety early during inpatient treatment to reduce anxiety such that
patients may better engage with SUDs treatment.