Participation in 12-Step Programs and Drug Use Among Older Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Six-Month Outcomes

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Drug Issues

Volume

51

Issue

1

DOI

10.1177/0022042620957013

First Page

38

Last Page

49

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.

Funding Number

CRE 12-010

Funding Sponsor

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Keywords

12-step programs, cannabis, drug use, longitudinal, older adults

Department

Psychology

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