Quality of social networks and its impact on drug treatment entry and attendance

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that social networks are associated with entry into drug treatment among drug users. Few studies have described the composition of those networks. Our objective was to determine if composition of social support networks was associated with treatment and/or detox entry, and length of stay in treatment. Methods: Participants (N=1040) were recruited from 38 New York City high risk neighborhoods using street-intercept sampling. Multivariable models were used to examine the associations between social network variables and drug treatment participation and length of stay in treatment in the last six months. Results: Participants were predominantly male (66.9%), Black (45%) and Hispanic (43%). 44% had been in treatment in the last six months. In fully adjusted models, participants who had one or more network members whom they could ask information about social services had a higher chance of being in treatment than those who did not (OR=2.4;95%CI 1.7-3.4; p<0.0001). Participants who had one or more network members whom they could talk to about personal matters had a lower chance of being in detox than those who didn't (OR=0.6;95%CI 0.4-1.0; p=0.0327). Participants who could stay at a network members' place that they didn't use drugs with spent more days in treatment than those who could stay with people that they used drugs with (beta=22.8;p=0.0075). Conclusion: These data suggest that incorporating social support networks in social service programs including drug treatment may promote treatment entry and length of stay, with the exception of detox where additional research is warranted.