Objective: Since needle exchange programs (NEPs) attract severely dependent injection drug users (IDUs), NEP attenders may be less motivated to cease injection compared to non-attenders. We compared readiness to stop drug use among attenders and non-attenders of NEP in Baltimore. Methods: IDUs enrolled in a prospective cohort study underwent semiannual questionnaires, including NEP attendance and a 23-item readiness to stop drug use scale, based on Prochaska and DiClimente's stages of change. Chi-square tests and logistic regression was used to compare NEP attenders and non-attenders with respect to readiness to stop drug use, sociodemographics and drug use patterns. Results: Of 282 active IDUs, 30% reported attending NEP in the past month. The majority were male (72%) and African American (92%). Mean age was 44 and average duration of injection career was 23 years. Comparing NEP attenders to non-attenders respectively, similar proportions were in the pre-contemplative stage (no intention of stopping drug use; 19% vs. 15%), contemplative stage (51% vs. 55%), and determination stage (recognition of drug use problem and needing help; 30% vs. 30%). No significant differences were observed between groups (p=0.7). In multivariate analysis, NEP attendance was associated with high risk behaviors: speedball injection (AdjOR 2.7), injecting daily (AdjOR 2.2) and homelessness (AdjOR 2.2). Conclusions: Although NEP attenders exhibit characteristics associated with more severe drug dependence, they were just as motivated to stop drug use as other IDUs in our community-based setting. NEPs therefore represent a viable and important venue for engaging greater numbers of IDUs in drug abuse treatment.
Learning Objectives: -To list Prochaska's stages of change of behavior -To understand the application of the stages of change model to Readiness for Drug Treatment
Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.