Substance of Choice, Treatement Engagement, and Healthy Equity

• In Event: 41021 - Student Forum Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Roundtable 4: Substance Use Disorder and Anxiety

Abstract

Substance use disorder is an imperative public health issue that heavily impacts individuals, families, and health disparities. This study explores the relationship between an individual’s primary substance of choice and their likelihood of searching for rehabilitative treatment. Using a randomized controlled trial and an analysis of logistic regression, the key predictors of treatment attendance were identified and documented, including race and substance type. The findings of this study indicate that individuals who used cocaine or heroin were less likely to search for and complete treatment in comparison to those using alcohol and other substances. Racial disparities show with Non-Hispanic White individuals being less likely to seek treatment in comparison to their mixed-race counterparts. Other demographic factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status were not significant predictors of one’s treatment attendance. The results emphasized the need for treatments to be more tailored in their approach and future policy interventions to better address the disparities in substance use disorder rehabilitation. Future research should strive to enhance their sampling and explore barriers that prevent individuals who use certain substances from seeking treatment.

Authors

• Dayanara Gonzalez, Michigan State University

• Alyssa Pettera, Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice