NCJ Number
178460
Date Published
1999
Length
39 pages
Annotation
As part of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Drug Study (DC*MADS), this Current Treatment Client Characteristics Study examined the prevalence of drug use among treatment clients in the District of Columbia metropolitan statistical area, the consequences and correlates of drug use, and special issues such as access to treatment.
Abstract
The chapter first discusses the value of epidemiological studies of drug treatment populations before describing the study methodology. Study participants consisted of clients admitted to drug treatment programs in the District of Columbia metropolitan statistical area during the spring and summer of 1991. The study examined the types of drugs used, patterns and trends of use, frequency of use, and general experiences of drug treatment clients. More specifically, the study was designed to provide estimates of the prevalence of use of illicit drugs and alcohol for the drug treatment population. Findings pertain to the demographic correlates of illicit drug and alcohol use, including gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, geographic location, education, and employment. Demographic characteristics, drug-use patterns, and problems associated with drug use were compared among the clientele admitted to three treatment modalities. The patterns, current context, and histories of drug use were identified, and the relationships between current and past illicit drug use, symptoms, treatment, and key areas of functioning were examined. In addition to these findings, this chapter also discusses methodological implications and recommendations for future investigations. 2 figures, 4 tables, and 32 references