Daniel Rosen1. 1. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, 2117 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA. dar15@pitt.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: The overall aims of this study are to describe the life stressors of, exposure to illegal drug use of, and illegal drug use by older methadone clients. DESIGN AND METHODS: The current study focuses on a subsample of the larger administrative data of a methadone clinic that is limited to African American and White clients over the age of 50 (N = 143). A logistic regression model tested the relationship between life stressors, exposure to illegal drug use, and a respondent's ability to remain abstinent from illegal drug use in the previous month. RESULTS: Older methadone clients exposed to illegal drug use in their social networks and neighborhoods were significantly more likely to use illegal drugs in the last month. IMPLICATIONS: Although demographic trends in the methadone population indicate that this cohort is aging and that their numbers are growing, little research exists on their well-being and service needs.
PURPOSE: The overall aims of this study are to describe the life stressors of, exposure to illegal drug use of, and illegal drug use by older methadone clients. DESIGN AND METHODS: The current study focuses on a subsample of the larger administrative data of a methadone clinic that is limited to African American and White clients over the age of 50 (N = 143). A logistic regression model tested the relationship between life stressors, exposure to illegal drug use, and a respondent's ability to remain abstinent from illegal drug use in the previous month. RESULTS: Older methadone clients exposed to illegal drug use in their social networks and neighborhoods were significantly more likely to use illegal drugs in the last month. IMPLICATIONS: Although demographic trends in the methadone population indicate that this cohort is aging and that their numbers are growing, little research exists on their well-being and service needs.
Authors: Daniel Rosen; Amanda Hunsaker; Steven M Albert; Jack R Cornelius; Charles F Reynolds Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2010-12-10 Impact factor: 3.913