The effect of waiting for treatment

This chapter considers the effects of waiting for treatment and whether drug users are more or less likely to take up a treatment offer, or remain engaged in treatment, if they are put on a waiting list. The possible effect of waiting for treatment is considered alongside a range of other factors. The surprising conclusion is that while several factors, most notably the treatment agency itself, influence whether or not a treatment offer is taken up and whether clients are then retained in treatment, waiting times do not in themselves exert a notable influence on these outcomes. However, it is suggested that waiting times may well influence clients’ decisions to seek treatment in the first place.