NCJ Number
244416
Journal
Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2013 Pages: 227-243
Date Published
September 2013
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined women and racial and ethnic minorities and significant challenges faced to successfully complete substance abuse treatment.
Abstract
Women and racial and ethnic minorities face significant challenges to successfully completing substance abuse treatment. There is limited knowledge about factors that affect women and minorities' treatment careers over several treatment episodes. Survival Cox regression was used to model time and episodes to treatment completion. Using multiyear (2006-2009) data, the sample consisted of 52,799 clients from 276 treatment programs in Los Angeles County, California. Findings supported the role of homelessness and mental health status and their association with more episodes to complete treatment. Results also showed that the rate of completion was 41 percent lower among African-Americans and 17 percent lower among Latinos compared to Whites. With each additional treatment episode, the rate of treatment completion increased by 73 percent for all groups. Compared to minorities, Whites and men were more likely to complete treatment throughout their treatment career trajectories. Implications for social work interventions to enhance treatment adherence and reduce disparities are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.