Factors Associated with Completion of Alcohol Detoxification in Residential Settings

Purpose: Over 15 million Americans have alcohol use disorder (AUD). Detoxification often occurs before treatment and is, therefore, an important component of the alcohol treatment system. Detoxification in a residential setting is indicated for certain patient populations, who often have more severe cases. This analysis examines factors associated with completion of detoxification for patients with AUD in residential facilities.

Data and methods: We analyzed the 2006-2014 Treatment Episode Data Set – Discharges (TEDS-D) using logistic regression to estimate the association of a number of patient demographic, treatment, and disorder characteristics with completion of residential alcohol detoxification.

Results: Social determinants of health were associated with detoxification completion. Patients who had a high school education or more and who were not homeless were more likely to complete detoxification. Referral from alcohol/drug care and other health care sources, school/work and community sources, and the criminal justice system had higher odds of completing detoxification. The odds of completing detoxification were lower for patients who began drinking at age 11 or younger, those with concurrent opioids, methamphetamine, or benzodiazepine abuse, and those with a co-occurring psychiatric condition.

Conclusions: The factors this study identified as being associated with lower odds of detoxification completion could be used to identify patients who would benefit from greater support during detoxification, treatment, and continuing care.