Predictors of detoxification services use in Alberta: a provincial socio-demographic and utilization analysis
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Date
2025
Authors
Mekonnen, Abreham M.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences
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Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences
Abstract
Detoxification is the first step in the substance use and addictive behaviours recovery process, serving as the transition between dependency and reduced use or abstinence. Completing detoxification is an important milestone in initiating recovery and remission of withdrawal symptoms, as well as facilitating follow-up treatment. However, high non-completion rates, low transition to residential treatment, and frequent use of detoxification services pose significant challenges to substance use disorder and behavioural addiction treatment and detox programs. This is the first study of the predictors in detoxification programs in Alberta, marking a significant step in understanding the predictors of completion and non-completion rates of detoxification, transfer to residential treatment, and repeated use of detox services based on data from five residential withdrawal management services in Alberta, Canada. The thesis consists of three manuscripts: (1) The first manuscript identifies the factors that predict detoxification service use, estimates program completion and non-completion rates, and the proportion of clients who cycle between completion and non-completion; (2) The second manuscript estimates clients' transition rates from detoxification to residential treatment services and identifies predictors of such transitions; (3) The third manuscript estimates the prevalence of repeated use of residential withdrawal management services in Alberta, Canada and identifies predictors of frequent use.
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Keywords
Detoxification , Detoxification programs , Detox , Program completion , Program non-completion , Residential treatment