A population-based study on substance abuse treatment for adults with disabilities: access, utilization, and treatment outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine potential disparities in access to substance abuse treatment services for Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities, and compare utilization rates and outcomes in outpatient programs.


METHODS
Population-based multi-year cross-sectional study.


METHODS
State-wide examination of substance-abuse treatment, particularly outpatient.


METHODS
Medicaid enrollees aged 18-64.


METHODS
Treatment access and utilization; outcome measures of retention, completion, readmission, and abstinence derived from state treatment and Medicaid databases.


RESULTS
Access and utilization rates for adults with disabilities were about half others' rates; treatment outcomes were generally equivalent across groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Adults with disabilities are underutilizing substance abuse treatment, suggesting barriers to accessing treatment.
Krahn
Gloria
G
Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA. krahng@ohsu.edu
Deck
Dennis
D
Gabriel
Roy
R
Farrell
Nancy
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D008875:Middle Aged; D009922:Oregon / Q000453:epidemiology; D011153:Population; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome