Substance use reductions among female offenders participating in a gender-specific drug court intervention for prescription drug abusers: Does age matter?

Background: Prescription drug abuse represents a significant public health concern that disproportionately affects women and younger adults. Unlike other drugs of abuse, women abuse prescription drugs at least as much as men, with significantly higher rates of co-morbid mental health conditions. Younger adults are also more likely to abuse prescription drugs when compared to older adults. Those who abuse prescription drugs often come into contact with the criminal justice system. This study reports on findings of a gender-specific drug court intervention tailored to address the needs of female offenders addicted to prescriptions. Method: Participants (N =210) completed a baseline interview at program intake as well as 3, 6, and 12 month follow-up interviews. During each interview participants provided self-report data on their past 90 day-frequency of substance use. A mixed-effects, mixed-distribution model was used to examine change in participants' self-reported substance use over time. Differences between younger and older adults substance use over time was also examined. Results: Younger adults were found to have significantly higher levels of substance use at baseline. Across the entire sample, a significant reduction in substance use over time was observed. However, age cohorts did not differ in their rate of change in substance use over time. Conclusions: Study results document the ability of one gender-specific drug court intervention to address substance use among female offenders with prescription drug abuse issues. Higher levels of substance use among younger adults at baseline suggest a higher level of treatment needs for this population.