Characteristics of housing, detention history and methamphetamine use among persons in drug treatment in California

Objectives: Methamphetamine is the primary substance reported by persons entering drug treatment facilities in California. Despite stable and, in some jurisdictions, decreasing trends in the number of methamphetamine users in California, methamphetamine use continues to pose a significant challenge to substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts. The present study explores characteristics of housing, history of detention and methamphetamine use risk factors in a sample of individuals admitted to drug treatment facilities in San Diego County. Methods: Methamphetamine use, and self-reported history of detention were ascertained cross-sectionally among persons in drug treatment. The standardized risk assessment survey was administered to 209 persons in San Diego County. Results: This presentation will discuss methamphetamine use risk behavior and its relationship to history of incarceration or detention in a sample of individuals with unstable housing. Specifically, length of correctional supervision and substance use while in detention are examined. Housing characteristics before and after detention are also examined as correlates of methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors. Discussion: Past illegal substance use among individuals under correctional supervision is highly frequent. Further, correctional supervision has been previously identified as an important correlate of higher risk among substance-abusing populations, but also as an opportunity for referral to drug treatment. Understanding the dynamics of correctional supervision and drug use is crucial for designing successful drug prevention and treatment interventions.