Adolescentes usuarios de sustancias ingresados en tratamiento: características y factores asociados a la duración del tratamiento.

Studies of adolescents receiving inpatient substance use treatment remain limited. We explored the characteristics of adolescents who received substance use treatment as inpatients in a psychiatric hospital in Brazil and factors associated with length of time in this treatment. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Electronic treatment records of 172 young people (aged 17 and below) receiving substance use treatment at Hospital Lacan in Brazil were analysed. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.18 years (SD = 1.39). The sample was characterised as predominately male (68.60%), who entered treatment involuntarily (80.81%), were out of school (89.82%), were involved with the criminal justice system (59.88%) and came from a family with substance use problems (74.67%). Re-admission to inpatient treatment for substance use problems was common. On average, adolescents received inpatient treatment for 3 months. Length of time in treatment was associated with: involuntary admission to treatment, re-admission to inpatient treatment, requests of discharge from treatment by a relative/caretaker, education level, leaving school due to aggressive behaviours and cocaine use. Conclusion: Findings highlight the complex profiles of adolescents receiving substance use treatment in Brazil. Cross-system collaboration between mental health, educational and justice services are needed to treat adolescents’ substance use.