Client-reported reasons for non-engagement in drug and alcohol treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: To examine client-reported reasons for missed early appointments at a drug and alcohol treatment service and to compare characteristics of those who missed appointments with those who attended. DESIGN AND METHODS: Clients who missed a first or second appointment between 1 May and 31 August 2007 at a public community-based outpatient treatment facility were invited to participate in a semistructured telephone interview. This consisted of an open-ended question asking the reason(s) for nonattendance, followed by a questionnaire of items for therapeutic alliance and service satisfaction, perceived impact of substance use and previous treatment experience, mostly rated on ..