Shifts in motivation to seek substance use disorder treatment in adolescents, emerging adults, and older adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective We sought to understand age related differences in motivation for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment entry. It was hypothesized that the relative effect of physical health, social relationships and criminal justice involvement would be different when comparing emerging adults to other age groups. Methods Using the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression on individuals that met criteria for needing SUD treatment with the dependent variable of receiving SUD treatment, and the independent variables of interest being an interaction between three age categories and three motivator categories. Results Emerging adults were least likely to receive needed treatment (over age 25 (OR 3.791, CI 2.498-5.755), adolescents (OR 2.840, CI 1.362-5.920)). Being arrested was the primary motivator for all age groups (OR 14.011, CI 7.780-25.232). Emerging adults resembled adolescents more than adults over age 25 on the effect of health and family as motivators for treatment. Conclusion Arrest had a greater effect on treatment initiation for emerging adults than other age groups. Although older adults are more likely to have physical health complications due to a SUD, they are least likely to seek SUD treatment after experiencing physical health complications.