Medical Detoxification for Nonopioid Substances Is Associated With Lower Likelihood of Subsequent Linkage to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Abstract

Background: Although factors associated with completion of medical detoxification treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) are well described, there is limited information on barriers and facilitators to subsequent linkage to SUD treatment in the community. This study aimed to evaluate correlates of successful linkage to community SUD treatment on discharge.

Methods: Data were drawn from 2 prospective cohorts of people who use unregulated drugs in Vancouver, Canada between December 2012 and May 2018. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to investigate factors associated with linkage to community SUD treatment in the 6-month period after attending detoxification treatment.

Results: Of the 264 detoxification treatment encounters contributed by 178 people who use unregulated drugs, these were most often (n = 104, 39%) related to polysubstance use, and the majority (n = 174, 66%) resulted in subsequent linkage to community treatment. In the multivariable analysis, compared to attending detoxification treatment for opioid use, attending detoxification treatment for stimulants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] : 0.10-0.51) and alcohol (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.54) were associated with lower odds of subsequent linkage to community treatment. Conversely, later calendar year of detoxification treatment remained associated with higher odds (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.42).

Conclusions: Only two-thirds of detoxification treatment encounters in Vancouver were subsequently linked to community SUD treatment, with those related to nonopioid substances being less likely. Findings suggest the need for tailored interventions for specific substances to improve linkage to SUD treatment in the community on discharge.