Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

O piate use and abuse prevalence rates remain high compared to historical levels. Substance use patterns, user characteristics and treatment response among young adults are of interest due to current high use prevalence and historical low levels of treatment engagement relative to older populations. Prior research in this population suggests that overall, young and older adults present at treatment with different issues. This study investigated what significant differences, if any, exist between young adult (18-25 years of age) and older adult (26 and older) opiate usersand the impact of any differences relative to treatment motivation, length and outcomes. Data for this study was drawn from 760 individualswho enter voluntary, private, residential treatment. Study measures included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), the Treatment Service Review (TSR), and University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Interviews were conducted at program intake and 6-monthpost-discharge. Results indicate that older adults with a history of opiate use present at treatment with higher levels of severity for alcohol, medical and psychological problems. Significant improvement was noted post treatment for both group and at 6 months post treatment, there were fewer differences between the two age groups of opiate users. These results suggest that individualized treatment within a standard, abstinence-based, residential treatment model can be effective across opiate users at different ages and with different issues, levels of severity and impairment at intake.

Biography

Siobhan Morse holds a masters degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. While at FIU, she participated in a number of research projects, including a National Institute of Mental Health/Mental Health Statistic Improvement Project (NIMH/MHSIP) focusing on the severely and persistently mentally ill; United States Department of Education (USDOE) evaluations; and local evaluations of at-risk youth. As an adjunct professor at Florida International University, Siobhan taught program planning and evaluation for the College of Urban and Public Affairs. She also served as a lead coordinator in the joint United Way, Children Now and Dade Community Foundation Project entitled, Report Card on the Status of Childrens Services in Dade County, where she pioneered the use of report card technologies. Siobhan earned her certification as a clinical research coordinator (CRC) from the Associates of Clinical Pharmacology and conducted over 100 clinical trials with major pharmaceutical companies investigating new and promising treatments. She holds her certifications as an ARISE interventionist and as a master addiction counselor. Siobhan has several current publications in research journals, including indexed PubMed citations. Currently she is the director of quality and research for Foundations Recovery Network