Differences between adolescents who complete and fail to complete residential substance abuse treatment

This study examined the admission characteristics associated with failure to complete residential substance abuse treatment among male adolescents. Of 160 admissions, 48 (30%) completed treatment. Having commercial health insurance (P=.005), having a family history of a substance use disorder (P=.05), and living with only one biological parent (P=.015) were admission characteristics associated with non-completion. Those reporting a history of physical or sexual abuse also appeared to be at risk for non-completion (P=.014); none of these participants completed the treatment. Interventions that improve residential substance abuse treatment retention for adolescents are needed.