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Article
Participation in 12-Step Programs and Drug Use Among Older Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Six-Month Outcomes
Journal of Drug Issues
  • Erin L. Woodhead, San Jose State University
  • Deborah Brief, Veterans Affairs Boston Health System
  • Maureen Below, Veterans Affairs Boston Health System
  • Christine Timko, VA Medical Center
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1177/0022042620957013
Abstract

This study examined associations among cannabis use disorder (CUD), 12-step program participation, and cannabis and other drug use at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Participants were age 50 or older in a study of veterans receiving medical management of alcohol and/or opioid withdrawal (N = 171). Generalized estimating equations examined the extent to which time point, 12-step program participation, and CUD were associated with change in number of cannabis and non-cannabis drug use days. Also examined was whether having CUD was associated with 12-step program participation. From baseline through the 6-month follow-up, 12-step program participation increased, non-cannabis drug use decreased, and cannabis use remained stable. Twelve-step program participation at baseline was associated with better outcomes at follow-ups. Participants with CUD reported less 12-step program participation and more cannabis use days at follow-ups. Older adults with CUD may need other types of psychosocial treatments due to low participation in 12-step programs.

Funding Number
CRE 12-010
Funding Sponsor
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Keywords
  • 12-step programs,
  • cannabis,
  • drug use,
  • longitudinal,
  • older adults
Citation Information
Erin L. Woodhead, Deborah Brief, Maureen Below and Christine Timko. "Participation in 12-Step Programs and Drug Use Among Older Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Six-Month Outcomes" Journal of Drug Issues Vol. 51 Iss. 1 (2021) p. 38 - 49
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/erin_woodhead/41/