Client perceptions of drug treatment services in Scotland

Aim: This paper explores the relationship between treatment satisfaction and a range of drug use and non-drug outcomes. Client satisfaction was measured using the Treatment Perception Questionnaire (TPQ).Method: This paper presents data elicited from 841 drug users starting a new episode of drug treatment in Scotland in 2000/2001, and re-interviewed approximately eight months later. T-tests were used to compare Scottish data with other European samples, t-tests and ANOVA to investigate differences in TPQ scores, and logistic regression to explore the relationship between satisfaction and outcomes.Findings: Age and gender were not found to predict satisfaction; treatment modality, setting, and not having been on a waiting list predicted greater satisfaction. Client satisfaction predicted positive outcomes, including retention in treatment, the achievement of abstinence, lower drug use, stabilization, safer drug use and less crime. Satisfaction predicted improved employment and education status, physical and mental health, financial and housing circumstances.Conclusion: On the basis of these results a case is argued for attempting to maximize clients’ satisfaction with services and a role for consultation in achieving this. Maximizing satisfaction may require changes to the duration of some treatments and review of treatment in prison units in particular.