Addiction severity index profile of persons who reenter treatment for substance use disorders.

BACKGROUND: Despite a growing interest in persons with multiple treatment reentries, few studies have defined their clinical profile. The aim of this study was to compare the severity profile of substance use disorder and related problems of persons who reenter treatment with the profile of those who come in for treatment for the first time.

METHODS: A data bank containing 6651 Addiction Severity Index (ASI) interviews from 3 rehabilitation centers was used for the analyses.

RESULTS: All the ASI composite scores were significantly higher among persons who reentered treatment than among those who came for the first time.

CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis of a more severe ASI profile and substance use-related problems among persons who reenter treatment compared with those who come for the first time. Consequently, they have greater needs, and the treatment offered should be adjusted accordingly.