Recruitment for the study continued consecutively from 1 January 2009 to 17 December 2011. The criteria for inclusion were: substance abuse or dependence, age ≥18 years, good understanding/speech in Norwegian language, and at least 3 weeks of hospital residence after admission. Approximately 150 decisions are made yearly in Norway concerning the involuntary admission of patients with SUD into institutions, pursuant to the Public Health Act .