Factors influencing early withdrawal from a drug and alcohol treatment program and client perceptions of successful recovery and employment: a qualitative study

Table 1 Demographics of participants

		Males	Females	Total number of participants (%)
Participants		7	6	13 (100%)
Age	31–34	0	3	3 (23%)
	35–39	0	2	2 (15%)
	40–44	2	0	2 (15%)
	45–49	2	0	2 (15%)
	50–54	1	1	2 (15%)
	55–61	2	0	2 (15%)
Reason for early exit from TC program	Voluntary	3	5	8 (62%)
Reason for early exit from TC program	Involuntary^a	4	1	5 (38%)
Primary dependence prior to admission^b	Alcohol	6	0	6 (46%)
	Drug	1	3	4 (31%)
	Polysubstance	0	3	3 (23%)
Length of stay	< 2 weeks	1	0	1 (8%)
	2–4 weeks	0	2	2 (15%)
	5–8 weeks	1	3	4 (31%)
	9–12 weeks	1	1	2 (15%)
	13–16 weeks	0	0	0 (0%)
	> 16 weeks	1	3	4 (31%)

^aThe reasons for involuntary withdrawal included breaking the rules, such as bringing or purchasing illicit substances, contacting family outside of the program, having a relationship with another resident, and arguments with staff
^bSubstances included heroin, ice, cocaine, cannabis and alcohol. Prescription medication use included benzodiazepines and codeine

ISSN: 1471-244X