Factors associated with abstinence in addiction inpatient treatment cohort: a five-year follow-up

Abstract

Background: Overcoming addiction is characterized by a long-term recovery process and a high rate of relapse. This study aimed to identify factors associated with relapse and long-term abstinence in patients with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions (SUDs/BA) five years after completing the inpatient addiction treatment based on the Apolinar model. Methods: In this 5-year prospective cohort study, 366 (female 32.5%) patients with diagnosed SUDs/BA (ICD-10) who were treated between March 2004 and April 2008 in Czechia were studied. Data were collected using a non-standardized questionnaire and structured telephone interviews. Outcome measures were (i) relapse and (ii) long-term abstinence (at least one full year of continuous abstinence). Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of socio-demographic and treatment-related characteristics on outcome measures. Results: In a 5-year follow-up period, 70.2% of patients relapsed, while 46.7% relapsed within the first six months after completing the baseline treatment. Long-term abstinence was observed in 63.9% of patients. Of the treatment-related factors, early discontinuation of treatment, shorter treatment duration, and absence of early aftercare services predicted relapse in patients. A positive effect of early aftercare attendance on long-term abstinence was found. Conclusions: These findings support the importance of treatment compliance and aftercare to prevent relapse in addiction-treated patients.