NCJ Number
163249
Journal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1990) Pages: 63-75
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined correlates of persisting drug dependency among young adult former drug abusers.
Abstract
This analysis is based on a follow-up study of 48 white male young adults who had been former youth multiple drug abuse patients in day-care treatment. Many had been sent into treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Approximately six years after termination of their day-care treatment, interview data were collected when most were in their middle 20s. Consistent with previous research, those consuming more drugs were more likely to have resisted treatment, to have trouble with the law, to have poorer work histories and diminished educational attainments, and they showed evidence of poorer psychological health. The data also indicated that high-volume drug users were more likely to be living in their parental homes, compared to those whose drug use patterns were more moderate. The article suggests that the pattern of taking up residence with one's parents while drug dependent may be encouraged by parental enabling. The implications of these findings for guiding efforts in substance abuse treatment are discussed. Tables, references