RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The treatment of addicted offenders detained under § 64 of the German Criminal Code can be terminated prematurely. There is an extensive literature on predictors of such premature termination concerned with factors established before treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to present predictors of premature termination that become apparent during the course of therapy. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search and included 16 publications. RESULTS: Patients and therapists rated impulsivity/aggressiveness, substance use relapses and a lack of patient-therapist relationship as negative predictors. Both groups assessed as beneficial the presence of motivation and a positive social network. CONCLUSION: To prevent early treatment termination a positive patient-therapist relationship, motivation and working through incidents during therapy is essential.