Factors associated with illegal drug use among older methadone clients.

Overview

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.