Addiction Therapeutic Communities in Saudi Arabia: An Evaluation of the Resident Retention Rates and Their Correlation With the Type of Drug Used.

BACKGROUND

Long-term retention is a reliable, well-studied factor associated with enhanced outcomes in addiction therapeutic communities (ATCs). The aim of this study was to estimate resident retention rates of ATCs in Saudi Arabia at three and six months, completion of therapy, and early dropout, and investigate their correlation with the type of drug used and other social variables.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a cohort retrospective study and data of all residents admitted to all Saudi ATCs since their establishment in 2000 through September 2014 were collected from their files. There were five Saudi ATCs during the study period. The date of admission, discharge date, socio-demographics, and drug use were reported. Retention rates at three and six months and dropouts in the first week were calculated, and the correlation with the type of drug used was studied using multinomial binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 2050 files, 2003 were suitable for analysis. All residents were male adults. The retention rate for three and six months was 45% and 28%, respectively, and 8.3% dropped out in the first week. The median duration of stay was 77 days. Unemployment and being a student were associated with the completion of treatment. The type of drug used showed no significant correlation with retention rates or dropouts.

CONCLUSION

Three-month retention, treatment completion, and dropout within the first week were reasonable, comparable, and consistent with reported rates worldwide. These rates can be considered an indicator of successful Saudi ATC programs. The type of drug used does not make a difference in retention and dropout rates in the present study, which is in line with the ATC management system that does not view the type of drug as a main treatment outcome modifier.