Situational factors affecting abstinence from drugs: Panel data analysis of patients with drug use disorders in residential drug use treatment

• Published in: PCN reports 2024-03, Vol.3 (1), p.e174-n/a
• Main Authors: Mizuno, Satomi, Shimane, Takuya, Inoura, Satoshi, Matsumoto, Toshihiko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstinence; alcohol drinking; Consent; Data analysis; Drug abuse; Drug addiction; drug rehabilitation center; Drug use; drug use disorder; follow‐up study; Mental disorders; Original; Participation; Patients; Questionnaires; Rehabilitation; Substance abuse treatment; Sustainable development; Variables
• ISSN: 2769-2558; 2769-2558
• DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.174

Aim To identify situational factors that can predict drug abstention in patients with drug use disorders undergoing residential drug use treatment. Methods Patients with drug use disorders admitted to drug addiction rehabilitation centers (DARCs) in 2016 were involved in this study. Longitudinal panel data were used, with eight follow‐up surveys over 6 years, approximately every 6 months. Of the 2752 samples from the eight follow‐up surveys, 2293 were analyzed as the complete panel data set. The primary outcome was drug abstention for approximately 6 months. The influences of situational factors during this period on the primary outcome were also assessed using a generalized linear mixed model in which inter‐individual differences were controlled as variable effects. Results The use of residential DARCs positively influenced the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79–6.21) when compared to no DARC usage. The cessation of drinking also positively affected the primary outcome (AOR 3.10, 95% CI 1.79–4.62), while employment status (AOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.12–4.41) and the cessation of drinking (AOR 4.92, 95% CI 2.77–8.72) positively impacted the primary outcomes of patients not using DARCs. Conclusion The use of residential DARCs and the cessation of drinking positively affected drug abstention rates. Employment and the cessation of drinking for patients who were not using the DARCs also had a positive effect. This information will aid in the development of social recovery strategies for people with drug use disorders. This study involved people with drug use disorders who participated in a 12‐step program managed by recovered drug users in the rehabilitation facility group. We assessed the associations between abstinence from drugs and the status of patients' facility use, living location, employment, receiving welfare, and sobriety. We found that the state of being discharged from facilities negatively influenced abstinence from drugs whereas sobriety positively influenced abstinence.