Causes of Drop Out in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Mixed-Method Study


Akkaya N., AKİN K., AKTÜRK İ., yaman ö. m.

Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, cilt.12, sa.3, ss.309-319, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 12 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5152/addicta.2025.24296
  • Dergi Adı: Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.309-319
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

This study examines the reasons for dropout from substance abuse treatment from the perspectives of clients and professionals. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 37 clients and 39 profession- als. Findings indicate that dropout reasons primarily stem from individual factors, with the most common reasons being the desire to continue substance use, psychological challenges, and belief in self-recovery. Of the clients, 81% reported personal reasons, 10.5% reported therapy-related reasons, and 8.5% reported treat- ment center-related reasons for leaving treatment. Professionals highlighted a lack of readiness for change and insufficient individualized treatment. In-depth interviews revealed five main categories of dropout rea- sons: individual factors, beliefs about substance use, family dynamics and lack of social support, approach to treatment, and legal processes. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of treatment dropout and the need for interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Raising awareness and providing information are suggested as ways to enhance treatment sustainability.