A research team led by CHSE investigator Bonnie Lind found that different factors (among them age, gender, race, gender/race interactions, urban vs. rural residence, chronic disease, and psychiatric or pain diagnoses) predicted initiation of treatment for alcohol and substance-use disorder among adults vs. adolescents who initiated treatment.  

As one example, white males in the adult group were less likely than other adults to initiate substance-use treatment, while the opposite pattern was found in adolescents. The research, appearing in Substance Abuse in February 2019, made use of Oregon Medicaid claims data from 2010 through mid-2015.  

As the authors note, understanding more about factors that predict how different groups engage in treatment could help programs target treatment effectively.  

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About the Center for Health Systems Effectiveness

The Center for Health Systems Effectiveness researches health care service delivery with the aim of improving the value and sustainability of the U.S. healthcare system. Our mission is to provide the analyses, evidence and economic expertise to build a better and more sustainable health care system.

To learn more about the CHSE, visit us on the web or email us at CHSE-info@ohsu.edu.