Age-based correlates of substance misuse among convicted felons in Georgia.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify variables that independently correlate with age and substance use among a sample of 187 convicted felons in Georgia. RESULTS: Results of regression analysis indicated that younger inmates were 2 times more likely than older inmates to report the occurrence of alcohol use (RR 2.07; 95% CI .37, 11.6) and three times more likely than older inmates to report some history of marijuana use (RR 3.07; 95% CI 1.52, 6.11). In addition, younger inmates were half as likely or less to report using sedatives (RR .53, 95% CI .22, 1.29), tranquilizers (RR .49, 95% CI .22, 1.29), crack or cocaine (RR .33, 95% CI .18, .62), heroin (RR .48, 95% CI .16, 1.25), and to having ever received treatment for a drug problem (RR .46, 95% CI .23, .90). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, age-based factors correlate with participant's history of substance use. Ascertainment of these variables among inmate populations has the potential to improve treatment decisions both during and after incarceration.