The treatment model employed by Keltoi is unique in Ireland. It is based on international findings that rehabilitation with a focus on developing new living skills produces more favourable outcomes. According to Keltoi, a favourable outcome sees clients developing and successfully maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
 

 

    
Of the 485 clients referred to Keltoi between 2002 and 2004, 149 (31%) were treated. Ninety-five per cent of clients admitted to the treatment programme had severe opiate dependence problems, and a small proportion had severe cocaine dependence. To be admitted to the programme, clients had to be drug-free for two to six weeks, depending on the individual case and the assessment of the team. Ninety-two participants (62%) agreed to be interviewed, two of whom died prior to the interview date. Eighty questionnaires were completed. The final sample comprised 52 (74%) men, 18 (26%) women and 10 individuals whose gender was not recorded.
 

 

The study reported that a large proportion of those who started treatment completed it (83%, 58/70). Half (29/58) of those who completed treatment were drug free in the month prior to the interview. The abstinence rate for men (50%) was higher than that for women (39%). The proportion who committed at least one crime during the 30 days prior to interview was lower among those who had not used drugs in that time than among those who had, 15% compared to 30%. Five of the 29 who had used at least one drug in the last month had injected it.

 

Although not directly comparable, these study findings follow the same trend as those of the ROSIE study,2 which indicated that opiate treatment in residential facilities is reasonably successful. The limitations of this study are that there are no baseline data and drug-free status is self-reported. In addition, it is possible that other treatment interventions may have taken place between discharge from Keltoi and the study interview and these may account for some of the positive findings. Nevertheless, these findings indicate that the Keltoi approach to treatment for drug users can lead to favourable outcomes.

 

1. Sweeney B, Browne C, McKiernan B and White E (2007) Keltoi client evaluation study. Dublin: Health Service Executive.
2. Cox G, Comiskey C and Kelly P (2007) ROSIE Findings 3: Summary of 1-year outcomes. Abstinence modality. Dublin: National Advisory Committee on Drugs.