Examining drug treatment entry patterns among young injection drug users.
Using a longitudinal state data base, 1996-2002, of all Injection Drug Users (IDU) (n = 37,227) admissions to all state-licensed drug treatment programs, this study examined differences in drug treatment entry patterns between younger IDUs (ages 18-25) compared to middle-age IDUs (ages 26-39) and older IDUs (over 40 years of age). Most of the younger IDUs were male, unemployed, and dependent on heroin. After controlling for factors known to affect type of drug treatment entered, younger IDUs were significantly more likely than their older counterparts to only use detoxification services and not enter additional treatment. Further, younger IDUs were significantly less likely to enter methadone maintenance and significantly more likely to enter residential treatment compared to older IDUs. Development of strategies to promote transition from detoxification to more comprehensive treatments and especially to methadone maintenance treatment is warranted.
Shin
Sunny Hyucksun
SH
School of Social Work, Boston University. Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. hshin@bu.edu
Lundgren
Lena
L
Chassler
Deborah
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008691:Methadone; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D008691:Methadone