Longitudinal predictors of addictions treatment utilization in treatment-naïve adults with alcohol use disorders.
BACKGROUND
Despite the substantial prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), prior research indicates that most people with AUDs never utilize either formal or informal treatment services. Several prior studies have examined the characteristics of individuals with AUDs who receive treatment; however, limited longitudinal data are available on the predictors of receiving AUD services in treatment-naive individuals with AUDs.


METHODS
This study utilized data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to identify adults in Wave 1 who met criteria for an AUD within the last 12 months and reported no prior lifetime alcohol treatment (N = 2760). These individuals were surveyed again at Wave 2, approximately 3-4 years later (N = 2170). This study examined the Wave 1 demographic and psychiatric conditions that were associated with receipt of AUD treatment services between Waves 1 and 2.


RESULTS
In multivariable analyses, use of AUD treatment services between Waves 1 and 2 was significantly more likely among those who were male, non-Caucasian, younger, had lower income, and who had health insurance. Additionally, those who met criteria for a baseline drug use disorder, anxiety disorder or a personality disorder were more likely to receive AUD treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment was more often utilized in those who had more severe baseline psychopathology and in those with fewer economic resources. These findings highlight the need to broaden the types of care available to individuals with AUDs to increase the appeal of AUD services.
Ilgen
Mark A
MA
Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, 2215 Fuller Road 11H, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States. marki@umich.edu
Price
Amanda M
AM
Burnett-Zeigler
Inger
I
Perron
Brian
B
Islam
Khairul
K
Bohnert
Amy S B
AS
Zivin
Kara
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*