Participation in 12-Step Programs and Drug Use Among Older Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Six-Month Outcomes. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woodhead, Erin L.; Brief, Deborah; Below, Maureen; Timko, Christine
• Is Part Of: Journal of drug issues. Volume 51:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: older adults -- cannabis -- 12-step programs -- longitudinal -- drug use; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Drug and Narcotic Control -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; Toxicomanie -- Périodiques; 362.29305
• DOI: 10.1177/0022042620957013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0426

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.