%0 Journal Article
%T Readmission among chemical dependency patients in private, outpatient treatment: patterns, correlates and role in long-term outcome
%J Journal of studies on alcohol
%D 2005
%A Mertens, Jennifer R.
%A Weisner, Constance M.
%A Ray, G. Thomas
%V 66
%N 6
%P 842-847
%X OBJECTIVE: Similar to other chronic conditions, chemical dependency is a chronic, relapsing condition. Yet predominant treatment models do not provide ongoing, long-term treatment services; readmission is the available long-term care for alcohol and drug patients. We examine readmission patterns and the role of readmission in 5-year outcome in chemical dependency patients in a private, integrated health plan. METHOD: We used health plan utilization databases and self-report at 5-year follow-up to measure readmission and routine primary care services in 647 chemical dependency outpatients from a private health plan. Logistic regression was used to examine whether readmission and primary medical care predicted abstinence at 5 years. RESULTS: Controlling for demographic characteristics and dependence type, higher odds for past-year alcohol and drug abstinence at 5 years following treatment was predicted by having been readmitted in the first 4 years after index episode (odds ratio =1.59, p = .006). Receiving routine medical care predicted past 30-day (but not past-year) abstinence at 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship of readmissions to better outcome at 5 years suggests that long-term continuing care may benefit patients' long-term outcomes. More research is needed on the relationship of primary medical care to long-term outcome in chemical dependency patients.<p /><p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies
%@ 0096-882X
%U http://dx.doi.org/