Characteristics of a treatment-seeking population in outpatient addiction treatment centers in Mexico

Background: Baseline patients' characteristics are critical for treatment planning, as these can be moderators of treatment effects. In Mexico, information on treatment seekers with substance use disorders is scarce and limited to demographic characteristics. Objective: This paper presents and analyses demographic characteristics, substance use related problems, clinical features, and addiction severity in a sample of treatment seekers from the first multi-site randomized clinical trial implemented in the Mexican Clinical Trials Network on Addiction and Mental Health. Methods: A total of 120 participants were assessed prior randomization. Chi square or F-tests were used to compare sites across variables. Spearman correlation was used to associate negative consequences of substance use and motivation to change. Results: The majority of participants were men, and the most prevalent substances reported were alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Participants were predominantly on the contemplation or action stage of change, and this was correlated with the perception of the negative consequences associated with substance use. Participants reported a high prevalence of substance use related problems. Conclusions: Substance use related problems, clinical features, and addiction severity reported by treatment seekers are important characteristics to take into account when planning treatment as they facilitate tailoring treatment to meet patients' needs.