Why can’t patients last the wait? Decreasing substance abuse treatment waiting list attrition

Abstract

One million people in North America are currently waiting for publicly funded substance use treatment. Unfortunately, long waiting times have been listed as the number one reason for not seeking treatment for substance use problems. While it is possible that successful abstinence during the waiting period convinces patients that they do not need treatment at all, more emphasis must be placed on interventions that can bridge the gap between initial contact by patients for substance use treatment and treatment intake. Recommendations in this review include: (1) decreasing the length of time between a patient’s initial contact for treatment and the pre-intake interview, (2) initiating regular phone contact with patients, and (3) decreasing resentful demoralization in patients who are ready for change but who are forced to wait for treatment.