Paths into substance abuse treatment vary across patient subgroups in important ways. This paper explores patient report of motivation, criminal justice involvement, and attempts to get treatment. Using longitudinal treatment records, it presents estimates of the probability of treatment entry, given no treatment in a 60-day spell. It is based on interview data and treatment records of 570 adult substance abusers representative of the Massachusetts public system: 71% (weighted) entering a detox episode and 29% in an outpatient episode of care. Of the sample, 33% were female; 30% were ages 18-30; 35% were black, Hispanic or another racial/ethnic minority; 29% reported some homeless in 6 months prior to interview. One half (51%) were on Medicaid at the time of the interview. Motivation is measured by self-report of regular attendance at AA/self-help groups in prior 6 months (38% more than once a week), and the importance of treatment now (alcohol treatment extremely important: 39%; drug treatment extremely important: 55%). Criminal justice (CJS) involvement is measured by self-report that treatment was CJS suggested or mandated (14%) or current probation or parole (37%). Two-thirds (69%) of patients tried to get alcohol and drug treatment in the prior 6 months and 32% of treatment seekers (113/390) reported they were not able to get all the services they wanted. Only 21% reported they always got immediate treatment assistance when in an emergency in the prior 6 months. The paper will explore whether the characteristics of patients are associated with lower probability of treatment entry.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: describe the role of motivation, criminal justice system pressure and referral sources, and Medicaid (versus no insurance) as factors influencing detox and outpatient treatment entry for different patient subgroups: the homeless, gender groups, and racial/ethnic groups
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Access
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.