With regard to completion rates, dedicated in-patient detoxification units tend to achieve better outcomes than general psychiatric wards (Gossop & Strang, 2000). Completion rates in some specialist units approach 100%, whereas typical completion rates in a general psychiatric ward will be in the region of 65%. The provision of detoxification in a setting where illicit substances/alcohol are available increases the risk of non-completion, but also increases the risk of morbidity and mortality occurring during the detoxification. Frequent reports of the availability of illicit substances in a detoxification unit may also indicate the presence of generally poor management standards; poor training and supervision of nursing staff in such units is likely to lead to unsafe practice due to failure of staff to routinely follow protocols.

The availability of a guaranteed planned date for admission is an essential component of the overall package of care that is offered to the patient by a specialist drug and alcohol team. The provision of a planned date to aim for and prepare for, as part of an overall care-planning process is consistent with the use of cognitive-behavioural principles.Any member of the public who has experienced the cancellation of or uncertainty around the date of a hospital admission is likely to experience distress and frustration; however, in the case of say a hip replacement, this is unlikely to impinge directly on the final success of the operation. In the case of the addicted patient awaiting detoxification, any disruption to psychological and social stabilisation will impinge on motivation to see through what is usually a huge challenge for the individual, will decrease the adequacy of psychological preparedness, and is also likely to interfere with aftercare planning and thus long term as well as immediate outcomes.