Detoxification centers: Who's in the revolving door?

Dennis McCarty, Yael Caspi, Lee Panas, Milly Krakow, David H. Mulligan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Data from 443, 812 admissions to publicly funded detoxification centers in Massachusetts (fiscal year 1984 to fiscal year 1996) were analyzed to assess changes in the population served. Substantial increases in admissions of women, African Americans, and Hispanics were apparent. Mean age at admission declined and unemployment increased. A 25% decline in admissions reporting alcohol use was coupled with a twofold increase in reported cocaine use and a fourfold increase in heroin use. Detoxification services have evolved. The older, white, male alcoholic is no longer the primary consumer. Policy initiatives (e.g., increased services for women) and the changing epidemiology of drug abuse (e.g., increased access to heroin) contributed to the changing population served in detoxification centers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)245-256
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Behavioral Health Services and Research
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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