Does age at first treatment episode make a difference in outcomes over 11 years?

Abstract

This study examines the associations between age at first substance use treatment entry and trajectory of outcomes over 11 years. We found significant differences in individual and treatment characteristics between adult intakes first treated during young adulthood (25 years or younger) and those first treated at an older age. Compared to their first treated older age counterparts matched on demographics and dependence type, those who entered first treatment during young adulthood had on average an earlier onset for substance use but a shorter duration between first substance use and first treatment entry; they also had worse alcohol and other drug outcomes 11 years post treatment entry. While subsequent substance use treatment and 12-step meeting attendance are important for both age groups in maintaining positive outcomes, relationships varied by age group. Findings underline the importance of different continuing care management strategies for those entering first treatment at different developmental stages.

Adolescents with substance abuse problems in outpatient treatment: A one-year prospective follow-up study

“…The results also indicate that a somewhat lower percentage of girls than boys have a registration of CUS, although the difference is not significant. That the percentage of those with less negative outcomes is higher among girls is consistent with other studies (Chi et al, 2014;Latimer et al, 2000;Pedersen & Frederiksen, 2012). The incidence of indications of CUS in various national registers is otherwise similar between girls and boys, except for substance use-related criminality, such as drugs offences and drink driving, where the incidence is substantially higher for boys.…”

“…Age at baseline seems to have little significance for outcome (Hogue et al, 2014;Tanner-Smith et al, 2013), and ethnicity does not predict any differences in treatment outcomes regarding substance use for adolescents who participate in treatment (Tanner-Smith et al, 2013). Higher motivation at baseline is, however, predictive of a better outcome at follow-up (Breda & Heflinger, 2007;Chi et al, 2014;Goodman et al, 2011).…”

Negative outcomes after liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease beyond the fifth post‐transplant year

“…In a large meta‐analysis performed by Dew et al., the role of recipient age as a risk factor for ALD recurrence was on the verge of significance . Moreover, younger age is considered as negative predictor for response to treatment of alcohol dependence . In the view of these data, as well as of the results of the present study, patient age should be considered both in regard to post‐transplant screening for alcohol intake and planning the strategy for maintenance therapies.…”

Generational trends and patterns in readmission within a statewide cohort of clients receiving heroin use disorder treatment in Maryland, 2007–2013

“…This trend is supported by a number of studies identifying age of onset of drug use as a key factor in persistent drug use later in life (Bergen-Cico & Lape, 2013;Chalana, Kundal, Gupta, & Malhari, 2016;Naji et al, 2017). It may also be supported through work investigating age of first use disorder treatment as a predictor of future patterns of use disorder (Chi et al, 2014;Evans, Li, Grella, Brecht, & Hser, 2013). However, interpretation of these findings may be confounded by the fact that portions of Gen X and Baby Boomer clients report previous use disorders with other non-opioid substances.…”