Predictors of inpatient completion of detoxification in patients with substance use disorders

Background: Despite the availability of adequate indoor treatment facility for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), a substantial number of patients do not undergo complete detoxification process. Incomplete detoxification leads to premature termination of treatment and relapse. Aims and Objectives: To see the association of various sociodemographic and clinical variables with completion of detoxification in hospitalized patients with SUDs. Materials and Methods: Case record files of patients with SUDs as per ICD-10, who were admitted in the de-addiction ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India from January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2019, were retrieved and analyzed for various sociodemographic and clinical variables. Results: A total of 85 patients with SUDs were admitted during an 8-month period; majority of the patients were male with a mean age of 32 years, middle economic status, and from Punjab. Major substances of abuse were opioid (43.5%), followed by alcohol (37.6%) and nicotine and cannabis (5.9%). The most common route of administration was oral, followed by injecting, chasing, and smoking. Overall, 32 patients completed the detoxification during hospitalization. Age of the patient, withdrawal severity, and duration of stay in the ward are good predictors of completion of detoxification. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that older patients, increased severity of withdrawals, and longer duration of stay are good predictors of successful detoxification.