The effects of demographic factors and cigarette smoking status on drug treatment success rate in outpatient treatment and rehabilitation centers.

BACKGROUND This was an analytical historical cohort study based on an existing data base study conducted in different areas of Tehran. The present study determined the effect of demographic factors and cigarette smoking status on success rate of addiction treatment in outpatient treatment and rehabilitation clinics for substance abusers. METHODS We accomplished our study in outpatient clinics authorized by the "welfare organization," which included three governmental treatment centers and private centers among those located in 22 regions of Tehran. Data were collected using a checklist, which contained demographic characteristics, personal information and information about prevention, treatment and follow-up records of 1372 patients. Factors associated with addiction treatment success rate were reviewed using multiple logistic regression tests. RESULTS Our study showed that addiction treatment was successful in only 258 cases (18.8%). The final multiple regression model showed that single and married patients were 2.18 times (P=0.033) and 2.70 times more successful in quitting than divorced, or separated cases (P=0.005). In addition, patients who lived in rental or mortgaged houses were 1.43 times more successful than homeowners (P=0.036). More than 90% of participants in this study were daily smokers at the time of the study. Patients who did not have a history of smoking were 1.69 times more successful than ex-smokers (P=0.007). CONCLUSION Based on our study results only a few people were successful in addiction treatment; marital status, type of housing, residential status and smoking status were the most important factors associated with the outcome of addiction treatment.